Critical Discourse Analysis - introduction

Critical Discourse Analysis

Introduction by Teun Van Dijk

After reading the first part of van Dijk's text, you will answer a set of questions which will hopely guide you throughout key concepts.

Fill in the Blank

Read the very first paragraph.

What element of society does CDA primarily resist?

Open Ended

What does Van Dijk mean with the term "value-free" (4th paragraph)?

Open Ended

Why does Van Dijk claim that CDA must be “better” than other types of research? (do not answer "in order to be accepted")

1. Conceptual and theoretical framework

Van Dijk presents a set of concepts, which he calls "notions", as part of CDA vocabulary. Pick two terms you may not be acquainted with and search for their definitions.

Open Ended

Write the two terms you have chosen and their definitions.

Open Ended

1.1 Macro vs micro: What is the difference between macro-level and micro-level of discourse?

1.2 Power as control

Van Dijk splits the issue of discoursive power into two areas:
1.2.1 Control of public discourse
1.2.2 Mind control

Open Ended

1.2.1 What is the relationship Van Dijk draws between access to -and control of- public discourse and power?

Open Ended

1.2.2 Control over context and control over structures of the text: give an example of each.

Hope you have enjoyed it, but please go forward...

​This is the end of the lesson

To go on thinking...

The following slides are to be done after the lesson (not to submit today but to discuss next class in person)

Van Dijk mentions Gramsci's concept of hegemony.

The following video may help you understand it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LI_2-qsovo

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​1.2 Power as control

Hegemony

​This term has gained popularity: it is currently used for a wide range of purposes.
But, more strictly speaking, what does Gramsci’s “hegemony” mean? What is the difference between hegemony and coercive control?