Cognitivism in Discourse Analysis

This course provides a profound exploration of Cognitivism in Discourse Analysis, enhanced by interactive AI technologies that facilitate a deeper understanding of cognitive processes in language use. It investigates how cognitivism integrates cognitive psychology with linguistic practices to offer new perspectives on how language is processed, comprehended, and produced. Core concepts such as cognitive schemas, mental models, and memory are examined, alongside the influence of cognitive mechanisms like attention, perception, and biases on discourse engagement and interpretation. The contributions of pivotal cognitivist thinkers like Chomsky, Pinker, and van Dijk are discussed, highlighting the cognitive foundations of language. Methodological approaches combine cognitive ethnography, experimental methods, and quantitative analysis, providing a comprehensive framework for analyzing discourse within cultural contexts. Applications in political communication, media narratives, and educational settings are explored through case studies, which illustrate the practical impact of cognitive processes. The course also addresses the challenges of balancing cognitive determinism with agency and explores future directions in cognitivism, including technological advancements and interdisciplinary research. Through interactive articles and a Discourse Analyzer AI assistant, students actively engage with the material, selecting text segments and posing questions to receive instant, detailed explanations, thereby enhancing their grasp of complex cognitive and linguistic interrelations in a dynamic learning environment.