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LINGUIS55AC

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LINGUIS 55AC - The American Languages

LinguisticsUndergraduateCLS - College of Letters and Science
Overview

Subject

LINGUIS

Course Number

55AC

Department

Linguistics

Course Level

Undergraduate

Course Title

The American Languages

Course Description

A linguistic view of the history, society, and culture of the United States. The diversity of languages spoken in this country and the issues surrounding them: language and ethnicity; politics of linguistic pluralism vs. societal monolingualism; language shift, maintenance, and revitalization; language and education. The course will pay particular attention to the history and diversification of American English dialects, the historical and current situation of Native American language communities, and the development and structure of African-American English, examining its origins and its role in American society today.

Minimum

3

Maximum

3

Grading Basis

Default Letter Grade; P/NP Option

Method of Assessment

Written Exam

American Cultures Requirement

Yes

Breadth

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Credit Restriction Courses. Students will receive no credit for this course if following the course(s) have already been completed.

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Course Objectives

By successfully completing the course, students will - develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of language varieties and styles in the United States; - use linguistics as a tool to engage in informed, critical discussions about society and challenge the main myths about languages; and - interpret how language ideologies shape attitudes, practices, and policies in the United States, including our own individual language identities. In addition, students will gain experience researching, reflecting on, and writing about American history and culture from a social scientific perspective. These are skills which are useful in linguistics but also transferable to many other disciplines.

Formats

Lecture

Term

Fall and Spring

Duration (in weeks)

15

Minimum Hours

3

Maximum Hours

3

Lecture Mode of Instruction

In Person

Minimum Hours

8

Maximum Hours

8

Term

Summer

Duration (in weeks)

8

Minimum Hours

6

Maximum Hours

6

Lecture Mode of Instruction

In Person

Minimum Hours

14.5

Maximum Hours

14.5

Term

Summer

Duration (in weeks)

6

Minimum Hours

8

Maximum Hours

8

Lecture Mode of Instruction

In Person

Minimum Hours

20

Maximum Hours

20