Power, Discourse, and Institutional Policy: Discourse Analysis in Higher Education Research

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium will focus on policy discourse analysis as a tool for advancing critical research in higher education. Policy discourse analysis blends poststructuralism and critical discourse analysis to help researchers uncover inequitable assumptions embedded in higher education policy and practice. Four participants will present their research that utilizes policy discourse analysis in order to foster discussion and idea generation for the ways that this method can be more widely used and useful to higher education researchers. Research topics range from explorations of sexual assault and trans inclusive policies to using policy discourse analysis to understand diversity and organizational culture to investigating discourse circulating in dietetics educational texts. A chair will facilitate dialogue among participants and audience.

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education / Division J - Section 5: Policy, Finance, and Economics

Chair

• Elizabeth J. Allan, University of Maine

Papers

• Reproducing Victims: A Policy Discourse Analysis of Sexual Violence Policies - Susan V. Iverson, Manhattanville College

• Culture as Discourse: Using Policy Discourse Analysis to Explore Organizational Culture - Rachel Friedensen, St Cloud State University

• Gender Diversity Is a Strength: A Policy Discourse Analysis of University Transgender Inclusion Action - D.A. Dirks

• Policy Discourse Analysis and Dietetics Education - Christin L Seher, The University of Akron