Conspiracy theory as anti-discourse: society, science, education (Guest Lecture by Massimiliano Demata)

We cordially invite you to an online guest lecture by Massimiliano Demata entitled "Conspiracy theory as anti-discourse: society, science, education".

Time: Thursday, 15 August, 10:00-11:00.

Zoom link: https://uib.zoom.us/j/9761417770?pwd=WEM4aWphci8wSDNBWHRMY3JUNTg5UT09

This lecture will address the way conspiracy theories are constructed as a “discourse” in direct opposition to those discourses created by epistemological authorities, such as science institutions, universities, the media, etc. Following Foucault’s notion of discourse as (social) communication of knowledge and truth, the lecture will offer new insights into conspiracy discourses by discussing a number of case studies (including the pandemic and climate change) and delving into certain discursive strategies (especially in terms of lexical and grammatical patterns) which make conspiracy theories so popular among large sections of the public sphere in many countries.

Massimiliano Demata is Associate Professor of English Linguistics at the University of Torino, Department of Culture, Politics and Society. His research interests include Discourse analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis; Border Studies; Computer-mediated communication; multimodality; metaphors and figurative language; populism and discourse; political and media discourse.

The lecture is open to all. Please feel free to forward this invitation to colleagues and student groups who may be interested.