Examination of the connection between language, race, and
ethnicity in the United States. Study of the origins of current
ethnolects in the United States, linguistic ideologies that
shape attitudes towards them, and structural factors that affect
their current patterns and possible future change.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students will be expected to complete additional
readings and a more in-depth final project at the end of the
course. Each graduate student will also be expected to give an
in-class presentation on an article related to the course
material.
Athena Title
Language Race Ethnicity in US
Prerequisite
LING 3060 or LING 3150 or LING 3150W or LING 3250
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to describe the differences between race and ethnicity, and how they both relate to language.
Students will be able to understand how ethnolects form and change over time.
Students will be able to analyze the patterned variation in African American Language (AAL) and other ethnolects.
Students will be able to interpret the connection between language and social factors, like identity, place, or class.
Students will be able to use language as an interpretive frame for understanding cultural and social difference.
Students will be able to apply concepts from the course to real-world issues of race or ethnicity.
