Language and Power: Clarity, Accessibility and Persuasion in Health Messaging

This selected topics course applies Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to health communication, from clinical encounters with health professionals, to public health campaigns, to controversial health claims. A key focus will be analysing language’s social and cultural functions, exploring how language choices persuade, mislead, or build trust. Students will analyze authentic texts and develop communication strategies grounded in SFL theory.

Course Outline

Course Evaluation

Student Evaluation

(full descriptions will be placed on the Assessment page; assignments to be submitted in Moodle)

• Short Analytic Exercises – Weeks 2, 3, 4 (15%)
• Key Concepts Exam – October 8 (20%)
• Group Wellness Centre Project (20%)
• Seminar Presentation (30%)
• Final In-Class task (15%)