Language, Influence and Persuasion (UniSA)

In this course, students will investigate how language is used to influence and persuade people. Students will be able to identify, analyse and explain the linguistic processes of influence and persuasion in contexts of national and international interest, such as those found in media, on popular social media platforms, in professions and organisations, public policy and political campaigns. This course will explore the role of language in social influence and persuasion in contexts of rising concern for governments, organisations and societies nationally and globally. Ways in which people are influenced and persuaded to purchase goods and services, think about social issues such as climate change and human rights, and how misinformation creates social divisions are of national and international concern and will be examined through case study examples. Students will consider the linguistic processes of influence and persuasion, and how these contribute to broader social issues.