Grounded Practical Theory

Robert T. Craig, University of Colorado at Boulder

Course Description: 

Grounded practical theory (GPT) refers to a range of concepts and methods for theorizing communicative practices. The seminar will explore GPT through assigned background readings and individual research projects. Readings will include units on GPT methodology with applications to discourse analysis of group interaction (Craig, Tracy, et al.), the concept of social practice (MacIntyre, Schatzki, et al.), sociocultural activity theory and communities of practice (Lave & Wenger), reflexive practice theory (Bourdieu), and genealogy of social practices (Foucault). For the semester project, each student will select a sample of discourse (consisting of public documents, media texts, field observations, and/or recordings of interaction) from any field of social practice of interest to the student. Writing assignments will include short papers exploring the application of unit readings to the student's discourse sample and a major paper developing a selected analytical approach in depth.

Note: COMM 6440 will apply for credit toward the graduate certificate in Culture, Language, and Social Practice. See http://www.colorado.edu/linguistics/faculty/kira_hall/clasp/index.html for additional information on the CLASP certificate program.