Explores various types of discourse located in the socio-cultural contexts that make up Japanese society by interpreting discourse as the verbal manifestation of the social activity. Through our investigation of the nature of discourse, we shed light on the social activities that create meaning in society. The types of discourse dealt with include casual conversation, media discourse, children's literature, professional discourse and academic discourse. Students will be required to analyse a short discourse and its socio-cultural context in terms of the theoretical framework presented in the course.

Assumed knowledge: Third-year level proficiency in Japanese.