Analyzing the Language of Truth and Deception, 7,5 ECTS
This course is offered by the Department of Linguistics, in collaboration with the Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German and the Department of Philosophy as a part of the Doctoral School in the Humanities. The course is offered during the spring semester of 2025 and on campus.
Course content
Conceptions concerning what is true or false are constantly changing. The course offers a nuanced view of a growing cross-disciplinary research field, which investigates how language is used as action in a social context. It details concepts, methods, and approaches that have been developed in linguistics, philosophy, cognition studies, rhetoric, and discourse analysis to investigate language as action.
The course contains a unique assembly of research perspectives, including linguistic diversity, semiotics, and experimental methods, in order to account for what counts as lie, truth, and deception in different cultures and discourses. What does experimental psychology say about hearers’ sensitivity to fake news and bullshit?
The course critically discusses the concepts of truth, lies, and deception on the basis of how they are used in speech and writing. It offers analytical tools and applies these to argument analysis of e.g. propaganda and public discourse on contemporary political and normative issues.
The course aims to provide the students with an understanding of linguistic methods and approaches that are relevant to the analysis of truth, lies, and deception, and to contribute to the development of their ability to question fake news, propaganda and deceptive argumentation.
Learning outcomes
In order to pass the course, students are expected to be able to:
- give an account of central theories concerning truth, lies, and deception as linguistic acts
- demonstrate knowledge of inter-cultural similarities and differences with regard to said linguistic acts from a typological perspective
- apply linguistic methods and tools with an aim to critically evaluate and analyze said linguistic acts
- critically evaluate and identify truth, lies, and deception in public/political discourse from a synchronic and diachronic perspective
Previous experience
What has been most positive about the course?
- "Most positive things - many discussions, practical sessions.
- "I have appreciated the opportunity the reflect upon this important theme from different theoretical perspectives and with different methodological approaches. I have gained deeper understanding for fields of linguistic research that I don't work with myself."
- "The course climate and the discussions has by far been the best part about the course."
- "The planning was excellent! The schedule was designed so that external participants could commute conveniently, it ensured high attendance and, as a result, interesting and fruitful discussions and exchange of experiences in every class. The sequence of topics was also very well planned - convenient for preparation and it formed a logical line of development."
- "I like that the thematics were approached from different angles, which sometimes even contradicted each other. It would have benefitted from more focus on truth and the political situation of today . Critique is often used as a means of relativizing everything so that no truth remains."
- "I enjoyed most the discussions during the seminars, and the inspiring atmosphere created by a nice and communicative group of students and engaged and inspiring teachers."
Would you recommend the course?
- Spring 2023: 8/8
- "The course is very good for PhD students because it doesn’t require all your time, and you have an opportunity to focus on the PhD research as well. Also, a very convenient schedule - just two days in a row per two weeks."
- "I would, given that you are quite interested in the theme."
- "I would recommend it to doctoral students interested in lying and truth."
Last time the course was offered: Autumn 2023
Number of participants: 8
Number of respondents on course evaluation: 8 (100%)
Practical information
Mandatory elements
Mandatory elements are: i) active participation in seminars, ii) active participation in lab exercises, iii) submission of essays, iv) oral presentation.
Examination
The course is examined through written assignments and an oral presentation.
Instruction
Instruction is given in the form of lectures, lab exercises, and seminars, in which the doctorate students are expected to participate actively.
NB. The course is offered on campus only.
Period: spring semester 2025
Course dates: TBA
Language of instruction: English
Course plan:
Course Syllabus LI105FU (498 Kb)
Apply to the course
Application
Applications for courses starting in the spring semester 2025 are received between May 15 and June 15 2024, as well as between November 15 and December 15 2024. Notifications of acceptance are sent out as soon as possible after the final date.
All applications are sent by the supervisor to: doctoralschool@hum.su.se. Official transcript of records, or certificate of registration, verifying the applicant's status as doctoral student should be enclosed with the application.
All courses are free of charge, and they are open to all who are admitted to studies on PhD-level, regardless of faculty or university. Prerequisites and special admittance requirements may apply for some courses.
How do I apply?
The application form (document link below) is used to apply for a place in a course. The supervisor (or equivalent) must support the doctoral student’s application with a motivation as to why the doctoral student should participate in the course. The supervisor also submits the proposal to the following address: doctoralschool@hum.su.se.
Application form for place in a joint faculty course (294 Kb)
Who can apply?
The Faculty of Humanities’ doctoral students have priority for places, and external doctoral students (from Stockholm University or another university) can be admitted to a course subject to availability. External doctoral students will be registered in Ladok in order to enable the Board to monitor all participants in a course.
Contact
Course directors: professor Maria Koptjevskaja Tamm and assistant professor Julia Uddén
Course title in Swedish: Språklig analys av sanning, lögn och vilseledande
The course is offered by the Department of Linguistics, in collaboration with the Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German and the Department of Philosophy.
Last updated: March 26, 2024
Source: Faculty of Humanities