Cognitive Perspectives on Contemporary Media Texts
15 credits
Why are metaphors presenting thoughts and feelings as commodities so pervasive? What happens when a real-life mind is rendered transparent through means prevalent in fictional texts? These questions, among many others, are addressed in this course.
The course offers an overview of how methods within cognitive linguistics and literary studies can be applied in the analysis of media texts. The course consists of two modules, each focusing on an influential theory within the framework: Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and cognitive narratology.
The first module, Conceptual metaphors and materialism (7.5 credits), gives insights into the development and application of theories on conceptual metaphor. CMT methods are applied in analyses of contemporary media, focusing on metaphors of consumption and materialism. Much weight is put on the cultural contexts informing the metaphors analysed.
The second module, Cognitive narratology and hypothetical scenarios (7.5 credits), provides cognitive narratological tools for analysing texts containing future discourses. Theories on thought representation and projected thought are related to a number of different media texts. The importance of viewing narrative practices critically is stressed in the analyses.
Växjö – the student city with a vibrant campus
Just south of Växjö city centre lies Campus Växjö. Many students choose to live on campus.
Here you have friends, restaurants, lecture halls, gyms, a supermarket, the university library, outdoor recreation areas, and student pubs – all within a five-minute walk. You can also live in other parts of Växjö and easily reach the university by bike or bus.
With nearly 100 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of Sweden’s fastest-growing cities. It has a strong Småland entrepreneurial spirit and a diverse business sector – perfect when you’re looking for a placement, an internship, or a job.
Växjö is also a scenic city, where you’re always close to forests and lakes, and it offers plenty of events and experiences, ranging from music and food to sports.
Build your own degree
Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.