This course provides a critical and comprehensive exploration of Appraisal Theory, examining how evaluative language shapes interpersonal meaning, power dynamics, and social discourse across diverse contexts. Students analyze core theoretical systems—Attitude (Affect, Judgment, Appreciation), Engagement (Monogloss and Heterogloss), and Graduation (Force and Focus)—across media, educational, digital, and political domains. To build a rigorous theoretical foundation, Appraisal Theory is systematically contrasted with Hyland’s Stance and Metadiscourse, Du Bois’ Stance Triangle, and Biber’s corpus-driven stance framework. Delivered through interactive case studies and project-based learning, the curriculum emphasizes collaborative discourse analysis applied to real-world language datasets. The course directly integrates Sustainable Development Goals by advancing critical linguistic literacy (SDG 4: Quality Education), interrogating gender biases embedded in discourse (SDG 5: Gender Equality), and challenging discriminatory communication practices (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities). Assessment relies on reflective learning logs, critical discourse analysis essays, peer-reviewed media projects, and active seminar discussions, equipping students with the analytical tools to dissect, reflect upon, and ethically apply appraisal frameworks in professional, academic, and everyday communicative settings.
