Course Objective

To get acquainted with theories on genre and information processing of
different text types: informative, persuasive and instructive.
To learn which linguistic characteristics play a role in the quality of
these three text types.
To reflect on different texts in an analytical way and to judge their
quality.
To apply the knowledge and insights by identifying problems within a
text and giving advise for rewriting it.

Course Content

This course will focus on three different text types: informative,
persuasive and instructive texts. We will pay attention to genre theory
(how can you differentiate between different text types, theories on
information processing and behavioral influence (how do you inform,
convince or instruct a reader?). We will use these theories to
understand how the characteristics of a certain text help to reach its
goal. By analyzing examples, students learn to recognize linguistic
phenomena that play a role and they will at the end of the course be
able to analyze the problems of a text and to improve it/rewrite it.

Teaching Methods

One lecture and two seminars (of 2 hours each) per week will be
scheduled.

Method of Assessment

One group assignment (15%) and one written exam (85%). Both the
assignment and the exam should be graded with minimally 5.5 out of 10
points

Literature

TBA on Canvas.

Target Audience

Second year BA students in Communication and Information Studies
(specialization: Language and Media)