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52092-01 - Course: Persuasive Language (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Peter Burleigh (p.burleigh@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | Language does more than convey information -- as a mode of communication it is also used to form social bonds, to be creative, to express feelings. Conventionally, the truth conditions that hold and govern language seem to be crucial to its validity as such a mechanism. Equally, the exploitation of language to persuade (which may be independent of any or all four of those characterisations of language above) is a fascinating and pertinent tool for communication in today's world. Persuasion is rife in print media, electronically-mediated communication, advertising, political propaganda, and 'fake' news. This course will consider some of the machinery of persuasion, its presence in different contexts and media, and take a critical stance towards the politics of persuasion. |
| Learning objectives | The course is designed to get us thinking about language as a persuasive tool. In reading, thinking and writing about persuasive language you will practice both some of its routines, and develop critical tools to decipher modes of persuasion. The course includes writing on this topic as well as conducting a clear and well thought through presentation. |
| Bibliography | A list of readings will be provided before the start of term. |
| Admission requirements | The course is open only to English majors. |
| Course application | Please register on services.unibas.ch by 1st September. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 16.09.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 23.09.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 30.09.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 07.10.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 14.10.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 21.10.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 28.10.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 04.11.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 11.11.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 18.11.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 25.11.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 02.12.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 09.12.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 16.12.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Modules |
Module: Introduction to Academic Communication in English (Bachelor's degree subject: English) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Englische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft |