James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

BR1224 - Critical Literacy: Text Analysis

Available to Tertiary Access students only.

Subject Description

In this English subject students are introduced to ways of critically analysing a variety of texts for academic purposes to identify intentions, both overt and underlying, and the way bias may be present. This will be achieved through exploration of definitions for critical literacy; and an examination of the structure of texts using informal logic and persuasive devices. A range of documents will be examined for analysis.

Learning Outcomes

• assess and present informal logic in arguments including the use of statistics in texts
• identify purpose (why) and authorship (who) of various texts (what), with a focus on the recognition of underlying ideologies, assumptions, and bias
• recognise, apply, critique, and challenge techniques (how) of persuasion in a range of text types (print and visual) and how these can result in overt and subtle bias in texts
• evaluate and deconstruct texts at an introductory level to examine bias and logic

Subject Assessment

• In-class news article analysis - (30%) - Individual
• Text/image Textual analysis presentation (group work), OR Textual analysis, written (individual task) - (30%) - Group & Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities