Metaphor and Metonymy in Political Discourse, 7.5 Credits

Contents

In this course, metaphor and metonymy, two of the major tenets in the framework of Cognitive Linguistics, are studied. The focus is on the use and function of these two processes in political discourse. On the basis of this theoretical foundation, the use of metaphorical and metonymic framing on political persuasion is analyzed and its effects dealt with. The course is primarily designed for exchange students and free movers.

The course also functions as a module in the Faculty of Arts course Studies in Humanities, 30hp.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• account for established Cognitive Linguistic theories and models on metaphor and metonymy
• describe the uses and function of metaphor and metonymy in political discourse

Competence and skills

• analyze the use of metaphorical and metonymic framing on political persuasion
• independently find relevant sources for completing assignments
• show an ability to account for and discuss his or her conclusions in relation to relevant arguments and background knowledge, both orally and in writing

Judgment and approach

• critically evaluate the reliability of different sources

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, group exercises, and individual work. Attendance is compulsory when examination is involved.

Access to a computer is required for completing of the assignments on the course. For information on technical requirements for devices and internet access, see https://www.umu.se/student/sprakstudier/dokument/

The medium of instruction is English.

Examination modes

Examination consists of assessment of the student's active participation in seminars and of individual written assignments. Grades awarded for individual written assignments are Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd), Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). Grades awarded for participation in seminars are Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). All examination is conducted in English.

Deviations from modes of examination in the syllabus can be made for a student who has been determined eligible for pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adjustments to the mode of examination will be made on the basis of the student's needs. The mode of examination is adjusted in relation to the expected learning outcomes in the syllabus. Following a request from the student, the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, is to make a quick decision regarding an adjusted mode of examination. The decision is relayed to the student.

Students must pass all parts of the course to receive a passing grade on the course as a whole. A student who is awarded a Pass grade cannot be re-examined.  

A student who has not received a Pass grade on a test has the right to re-take the test (a re-sit). The first re-sit will be arranged no later than two months after the original test, but no earlier than ten working days after the result of the original test has been announced. For tests held in May or June, the first re-sit is to be arranged within three months of the original examination session. The date for the re-sit will be provided, at the latest, in conjunction the original test.

At least one additional re-sit will be offered within one year from the original examination occasion.

In cases where a test cannot be repeated according to rules in effect regarding re-sits, it will be replaced with another task. The scope and content of such a task should be proportionate to the missed test.

The final date for the submission/completion of assignments falls on the last day of the semester, unless otherwise stated by the teacher. At all examination sessions, tasks and assignments need to be completed and submitted within the time frame set by the teacher in order to be considered for examination. Tasks and assignments submitted late will not be considered for examination, and the student is instead referred to the next examination session.

Possibilities for supplementary qualification to achieve the Pass grade can, following a decision made by the examiner, be given to a student who does not entirely meet the examination requirements but is close to a Pass grade. A supplementary examination is to be individually adjusted to the goal(s) that the student has not met, and is to be arranged no later than two weeks after the result of the original test has been announced, but before the next examination session. Supplementary qualification can only raise a Fail grade to a Pass grade; supplementary qualification for a higher grade is not allowed.   

A student who has failed the original test and the re-sit for a course has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless special circumstances render this inappropriate. A request for this must be submitted to the Board of the Faculty of Arts.

If the decision is made that the course will no longer be given or the syllabus is revised, the student is guaranteed at least three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination occasion) following the original syllabus within a period of a maximum of two years from when the original course was stopped or the syllabus was revised.

Transfer of credits
Applications for transfer of credits must be approved by the Student Services/Degree Evaluation Office. See https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/transfer-of-credits/