The main characteristics of discourse analysis II
Like discourse analysis I, discourse analysis II is occupied with how power or knowledge is articulated (Rose, 2001, p.164). Discourse analysis two works with similar materials but is more concerned with production and reiteration of institutions or places rather than individual images or texts. ( Rose, 2001, p.164)
On example addressed are archives, they are a type of institution. they are “not neutral, they embody the power inherent in accumulation” (Rose, 2001, p.165) One example discussed later by Rose were museums and galleries. She looks at how power/knowledge is embodied to encourage self-discipline or certain behaviour of visitors.
What is meant by ‘institutional apparatus’ and ‘institutional technologies’
According to Rose,
An institutional apparatus is the forms of power/knowledge which constitute the institutions: for example, architecture, regulations, scientific treatises, philosophical statements, laws, morals, and so on, and the discourse articulated through all these (Hall, 1997b: 47). […] The institutional technologies (sometimes difficult to differentiate from the apparatus) are the practical techniques used to practice that power/knowledge. (Rose, 2001, p.166)
In short, the apparatus is the discourse, the hierarchy, the knowledge displayed. Whereas the technologies involved are used to exemplify or display these values/apparatuses.
What kind of sources can be analysed with this
This method can be used to analyse any type of institution or facility. According to Rose it can be used for
Images and objects […] by institutional apparatuses and technologies (as ‘art’, for example) and how various subjectivities are also produced, (2001, p.169)
Also important to Rose is that prisons and museums were “born” in the same era, and she emphasizes that museums were established as places open to the public (hence needing regulation).
My case-study:
For my analysis I chose to look at the library. Like a museum it is an institution open to the public (or at least University students) and hence contains layers of norms and regulations. It is an archive not of art but books.
Visit this institution, physically or if possible virtually
The Uni-library can be visited both in person and online. At the library you arrive at the rotating door (see Fig. 14) that ushers you into the foyer, after which you pass through some gates to the stairwell from there you are directed either upstairs (Fig.15) to an area of books or computers or downstairs to a similar area of books & computers (Fig.18). It is straightaway obvious which are the obvious main events here (the books/study areas) as the printer room, toilets, separate computer rooms and cafeteria are all side issues. This structure is determined by the architecture.
It is obvious the building was designed for this purpose rather than being merely a re-purposed existing architecture like other UM buildings. The libraries architecture says a lot about the institute’s priorities (e.g. study rooms are main focus, not the information desk, cafeteria etc.)
(Fig. 14 Library entrance)
(Fig.15 Library layout, own drawing)
This layout drawing illustrates how the visitor is directed past the “unimportant” issues straight to the main study area (either on that floor or upstairs), the foyer becomes a channel towards the stairwell, bypassing the security office, passed the gates.
(Fig.16 Library online site, interface)
When visiting the library in person there is a computer portal to the online library helping students to find books at the physical library. This same portal can be accepted from home to find online books.
Reflect on the ‘institutional technologies’ and how these may influence related individuals.
The technologies involved in regulating the library are signs that designate areas e.g. quiet area, no smoking in courtyard etc. On top of this there is a security guard, presumably so people do not steal books or do not enter the library unauthorized during exam season (when only Uni students with passes are allowed in, no outsiders). By passing the security office, through the gates on the way in (see image). Even though the electric gates are not in use it directs “traffic” and gives the visitor a sense of now entering into a regulated area.
(Fig.17 Library entrance through gates, past security desk)
From there visitors are directed into study areas like the one below:
(Fig.18 Ground floor, study area)
The architecture and layout is a way of determining where people go, and the signs and security guards re-inforce the discourse of the library practices (e.g. be quiet or don’t smoke in the courtyard).
Bibliography:
Rose, G. (2001). Visual methodologies: An introduction to researching with visual materials. London: Sage. (Chapter 7: Discourse Analysis II: Institutions and Ways of Seeing)
Image sources:
Figure 14.Library entrance [Digital image]. (n.d.). own image
Figure 15.Library layout, own drawing [Digital image]. (n.d.). own image
Figure 16.Library online site, interface [Digital image]. (n.d.). own image
Figure 17.Library entrance through gates, past security desk [Digital image]. (n.d.). own image
Figure 18.Ground floor, study area [Digital image]. (n.d.). own image