Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Schedule - Spring Semester 2027
Meeting location information can now be found on student schedules in ESTHER (for students) or on the Course Roster in ESTHER (for faculty and instructors).Additional information available here.
Meeting location information can now be found on student schedules in ESTHER (for students) or on the Course Roster in ESTHER (for faculty and instructors).Additional information available here.
LING 326 001 (CRN: 26854)
LANGUAGE, POWER AND PERSUASION
Long Title: LANGUAGE, POWER AND PERSUASION
Department: Linguistics
Instructor: Conklin, Kathryn
Meeting: 10:00AM - 10:50AM MWF (11-JAN-2027 - 23-APR-2027)
Part of Term: Full Term
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Distribution Group: Distribution Group II
Method of Instruction: Face to Face
Credit Hours: 3
Course Syllabus:
Course Materials: Rice Campus Store
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Undergraduate Professional
Visiting Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Section Max Enrollment: 24
Section Enrolled: 0
Enrollment data as of: 2-NOV-2026 5:10AM
Final Exam: No Final Exam
Description: Why do some words and narratives change minds and influence people? This course explores how language is used to persuade, influence, and exercise power by shaping thought, attitudes, and behavior. Drawing on psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and cognitive science, we look at how linguistic choices affect perception, reasoning, memory, and decision-making, while also shaping identities, social relationships, and institutional structures. Through discussion of primary readings and real-world examples, the course examines the cognitive and social mechanisms through which language influences individuals and societies.