Metaphor in Discourse (specialization)

The Master’s programme Communication and Information Studies, specialization Metaphor in Discourse focuses on English in usage, with a special emphasis on metaphor. This programme is meant for students who are interested in communication and discourse from a linguistic approach. The angle of the programme differs greatly from others. Rather than looking at more general theories and at times focusing on smaller details, our programme starts by looking at one phenomenon in linguistics, metaphor, and uses that phenomenon as a tool to discuss language usage and discourse in general. It is a Master’s programme with an analytical approach. Students will be given the opportunity to apply their knowledge during their thesis.

Metaphor in Discourse is a unique programme in Europe if not the world. It aims to study the larger field of language, cognition and communication, or discourse, by starting out from one specific detail: metaphors. Metaphors are ubiquitous in discourse, but what is their precise structure, function, and effect in language, cognition, and communication? And what can we say about discourse in general by studying the specific phenomenon of metaphor?