Language of Seduction and Manipulation, 5 cr

In this course we will focus on language practices in the area of getting-to-know each other, starting conversations with strangers (“pick-up”), and other flirting and seduction activities. We will look at different methodological approaches to the study of face-to-face and written data (for example, in-field interactions by pick-up artists, Tinder profiles, etc.). We will also investigate how the ideologies underlying the flirting and seduction practices influence language usage and cross-fertilize the different practices and text types. Students are expected to participate actively in workshop sessions and to give presentations on assigned readings and their own small research projects.