Critical Discourse Analysis of Social Policy

Power and ideology become established and (re)produced in social policy through its discourse and language. Critical analysis of policy discourse thus enables social work to make that power and ideology visible and then make change. This course will examine social policies by looking at the narratives, frames, representations, values, priorities, and omissions that are produced and reproduced in policy, and ways of challenging. Students will examine how discourses of deservingness, worth and productivity are deeply entrenched in US policies on various domains, such as public assistance, refugee resettlement, climate change, disability, health and poverty. Students will complete a mini or abbreviated Critical Discourse Analysis of policy of their choice by the end of the course.