LFU:online

The competence to relate one's own dissertation to the topic of positioning, which has gained high relevance both in social sciences an linguistics and to other subject-specific dissertations and to present previous research as well as further research objectives in an understandable manner, to reflect on them in discussions, and to incorporate current developments in the respective field of science into one's own work.

Positioning theory examines the strategic placement of individuals or groups within social structures, through which we socially and discursively locate ourselves and others, construct similarities and differences, and negotiate belonging, roles, and attributes. It is based on the idea that people operate within dynamic social networks, where their position—whether consciously or unconsciously—determines their access to resources, decision-making processes, and opportunities for influence. This occurs through speech, habitus, and everyday social practices. The analysis of social positionings employs a multimethod approach, making it particularly well-suited for an interdisciplinary course.

Reading, discussion, student presentation of selected aspects of their dissertation

Written essay

Davies, Bronwyn/Harré, Rom (1990): Positioning: The Discursive Production of Selves. In: Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 20 (1), 43–63.

Deppermann, Arnulf (2015): Positioning. In: De Fina, Anna/Georgakopoulou, Alexandra (ed.): The Handbook of Narrative Analysis. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 369-387.

Lucius-Hoene, Gabriele/Deppermann, Arnulf (2004): Narrative Identität und Positionierung. In: Gesprächsforschung 5, 166–183.

Spitzmüller, Jürgen/Flubacher, Mi-Cha/Bendl, Christian (2017): Soziale Positionierung als Praxis und Praktik: Einführung in das Themenheft. Wiener Linguistische Gazette, 81, 1–18.