Discourse Laboratory

Research Director: Joel Kuipers
Lab Assistant: Stephanie Cadwell

The Discourse Laboratory was developed by Dr. Joel Kuipers in 1997 in order to take advantage of new digital technologies for analyzing discourse. With the generous support of a grant from the National Science Foundation and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Discourse Lab provides resources for recording, transcribing, and analyzing naturally occurring discourse of all kinds. It is intensively used in several classes and is available for student use for class projects and other student research projects.

Features of the lab:

  • 10 state-of-the-art computer workstations networked to a NAS (network-attached storage data server)
  • workstation specially outfitted for digitizing video from a number of source types
  • software for transcription, video editing, and analysis of video, audio, and graphic data
  • software to link transcription with video data, permitting keyword searches, sorting and editing
  • six video cameras, tripods and bags
  • two digital audio recorders, with small mic set
  • one digital SLR camera, with bag and two lenses
  • teaching and presentation support, including a built-in projector, screen, and speakers

The Discourse Lab is located in 1922 F St., NW ("Old Main"), room 210-211. Phone (202) 994-3784.

Fall 2012 open lab hours: Monday 5:00-7:00, Tuesday 2:00-4:00, Wednesday 5:00-7:00, Thursday 2:00-4:00.