Here is an example syllabus that studies language and discourse explicitly, asking students to treat discourse as the subject of their reading and analysis (in this case, the connection between discourse and identity, and new discourse innovation).

The paper sequence is as follows:

• A mixed evidence exploration of case studies of language and innovation. Instructor-supplied text.
• A comparative rhetorical analysis of texts chosen by the students. The requirement is that the texts be in different disciplines or genres, but on the same topic. Student-selected texts.
• A researched argument: students pick a topic and develop a position backed by library research. Student-researched texts.