A Content Analysis of Bereavement Cards

Abstract

The language we use to discuss death reveals much about our social norms and cultural practices regarding bereavement. This classroom activity engages students in a content and discourse analysis of bereavement cards, with a focus on the sociolinguistic choices that reflect societal attitudes toward death and grieving. Students will scrutinize the...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Children and Youth, Language/Social Linguistics, Other, Qualitative Methodology

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Size(s):

Medium, Small

Usage Notes

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Practice skills in content analysis and discourse analysis.
   
   
2. Identify and examine sociolinguistic patterns within bereavement cards.
3. Apply theoretical frameworks related to stigma and discursive construction to real-world texts.
   
4. Critically compare the discursive treatment of death in cards for adults versus children.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Goal 1 Assessment: Conduct a thorough content analysis of the bereavement cards.
2. Goal 2 Assessment: Present findings that show an understanding of sociolinguistic concepts.
   
   
3. Goal 3 Assessment: Effectively compare and contrast discourse in cards for different age groups.
4. Goal 4 Assessment: Engage in reflective discussion and apply sociological theories to their analysis.