Networks for Methodological Innovation 2008-2009
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NMI: Discourse Analysis Network
Background and Aims
Discourse Analysis makes significant contributions to the study of social and political practices by focussing on their symbolic dimensions. The purpose of the NMI Discourse Analysis Network is to establish connections between scholars conducting discourse analysis in different social science disciplines.
The Centre for Theoretical Studies at the University of Essex facilitated the formation of an informal discussion group on different approaches to the study of discourse. The idea for the network arose in this context, offering an opportunity to synthesize interdisciplinary contacts between groups of scholars with an interest in discourse analysis, within the UK and the EU and encouraging cross-fertilisation between policy analysts and practitioners.
The network aims to synthesise methodological expertise and to encourage methodological innovation arising from this process of interaction. It specifically seeks to investigate two questions:
the identification and delimitation of specific discourses;
the techniques available for the analysis of discourses.
The network also sought to provide opportunities for Early Career Researchers to participate in its events, and to establish links with Policy Practitioners (cf. Policy Practitioner Event).
Network Participants and Approaches
The network has sought to draw together participants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and approaches, including:
Political Discourse Theory
Critical Discourse Analysis
Interpretive Policy Analysis
Discursive Psychology
Q-Methodology
Rhetorical Political Analysis
Events organised under the auspices of the NMI Discourse Analysis Network sought to cover these diverse approaches, drawing together participants from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds around a series of events.
Event Formats
The Network activities were designed to facilitate different forms of interaction between scholars, and between the academic and policy communities.
1. Expert Seminars: An open workshop where representatives from different schools of discourse analysis outline the basic assumptions and methodologies of each approach.
2. Master classes: A series of five master classes on the use of different methodologies, allowing hands-on experience for all participants.
3. Exploratory Workshop: Reflecting on the analysis of a specific policy document from the perspective of each distinctive approach. The format of the dayﾒs events ﾖ separate in-depth analysis of a common document followed by a plenary ﾖ facilitated constructive engagement across approaches and disciplines, and explored boundaries between approaches.
4. Concluding Working seminars provided an opportunity for participants to synthesise material and reflect on the innovative potential of the methodologies under discussion. Explicit consideration was given to how approaches may be enriched by other approaches.
5. Disseminating Activities in addition to this web-based report included a one Day Policy Practitioner Seminar with policy practitioners on how such methods may inform an understanding of policy and the policy process.
6. Concluding Conference: An open conference, drawing together participants from across disciplinary boundaries and approaches, in which each participant presented a paper showing how he/she deploys discourse analysis in ongoing research.