Analyzing the Language of Truth and Deception, 7,5 ECTS

In order to pass the course, students are expected to be able to:

• give an account of central theories concerning truth, lies, and deception as linguistic acts
• demonstrate knowledge of inter-cultural similarities and differences with regard to said linguistic acts from a typological perspective
• apply linguistic methods and tools with an aim to critically evaluate and analyze said linguistic acts
• critically evaluate and identify truth, lies, and deception in public/political discourse from a synchronic and diachronic perspective

What has been most positive about the course?

• "Most positive things - many discussions, practical sessions.
• "I have appreciated the opportunity the reflect upon this important theme from different theoretical perspectives and with different methodological approaches. I have gained deeper understanding for fields of linguistic research that I don't work with myself."
• "The course climate and the discussions has by far been the best part about the course."
• "The planning was excellent! The schedule was designed so that external participants could commute conveniently, it ensured high attendance and, as a result, interesting and fruitful discussions and exchange of experiences in every class. The sequence of topics was also very well planned - convenient for preparation and it formed a logical line of development."
• "I like that the thematics were approached from different angles, which sometimes even contradicted each other. It would have benefitted from more focus on truth and the political situation of today . Critique is often used as a means of relativizing everything so that no truth remains."
• "I enjoyed most the discussions during the seminars, and the inspiring atmosphere created by a nice and communicative group of students and engaged and inspiring teachers."

Would you recommend the course?

• Spring 2023: 8/8
• "The course is very good for PhD students because it doesn’t require all your time, and you have an opportunity to focus on the PhD research as well. Also, a very convenient schedule - just two days in a row per two weeks."
• "I would, given that you are quite interested in the theme."
• "I would recommend it to doctoral students interested in lying and truth."

Last time the course was offered: Autumn 2023

Number of participants: 8

Number of respondents on course evaluation: 8 (100%)

Mandatory elements

Mandatory elements are: i) active participation in seminars, ii) active participation in lab exercises, iii) submission of essays, iv) oral presentation.

Examination

The course is examined through written assignments and an oral presentation.

Instruction

Instruction is given in the form of lectures, lab exercises, and seminars, in which the doctorate students are expected to participate actively.

NB. The course is offered on campus only.

Period: Spring semester 2026

Course dates:  Course dates LI105FU pdf, 204.9 kB.

Language of instruction: English

Course plan: Course Syllabus LI105FU pdf, 498.7 kB.

Application

Applications for courses starting in November 15 and ending December 15 2025. Notifications of acceptance are sent out as soon as possible after the final date.

All applications are sent by the supervisor to: doctoralschool@hum.su.se. Official transcript of records, or certificate of registration, verifying the applicant's status as doctoral student should be enclosed with the application.

All courses are free of charge, and they are open to all who are admitted to studies on PhD-level, regardless of faculty or university. Prerequisites and special admittance requirements may apply for some courses.

How do I apply?

The application form (document link below) is used to apply for a place in a course. The supervisor (or equivalent) must support the doctoral student’s application with a motivation as to why the doctoral student should participate in the course. The supervisor also submits the proposal to the following address: doctoralschool@hum.su.se.

Application form for place in a joint faculty course docx, 294.6 kB.

Who can apply?

The Faculty of Humanities’ doctoral students have priority for places, and external doctoral students (from Stockholm University or another university) can be admitted to a course subject to availability. External doctoral students will be registered in Ladok in order to enable the Board to monitor all participants in a course.