Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - POL 328 D100

STT-Speaking Canadian: 150 years of Linguistic Diversity and Language Politics (Inactive) (4)

Class Number: 8036

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Linguistic diversity is one of the defining traits of Canada, and it resonates with daily life for many students at SFU. Canada 150 is an ideal opportunity to reflect on the centrality of Indigenous Languages, Official Bilingualism, and the wide array of "immigrant languages" that have contributed to shaping the country's social, political and cultural realities. Students will hear from leading experts in the field and engage directly with various First Nations, Francophone and Asian linguistic communities around the Lower Mainland. Students will examine a community-based or government initiative related to language use, maintenance or revitalization, and present in a colloquium-style event. Students with credit for HIST 331 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Linguistic diversity is a fundamental trait of the Canadian social fabric.  In the 2011 census, more than 200 languages were reported as spoken in Canadian homes, including English and French, over 60 Aboriginal languages, and a diversity of ‘immigrant languages’ from around the world.  This course will explore the history of this linguistic diversity, the community formations and social tensions it has generated, and its role in shaping Canadian society now and in the future.  

Offered as part of the FASS Canada 150 Project, this team-taught History and Political Science course will offer students a number of unique opportunities in which to explore these questions, including:
-        guest lectures by leading experts in the field
-        Aboriginal languages workshop
-        a round table on the dynamics of Asian languages in the Lower Mainland
-        a meeting with Graham Fraser, Canada’s former Commissioner of Official Languages
-        opportunities for interaction with experts and peers through field trips, events on all three SFU campuses, catered receptions, and collaborative projects  

This course is made possible through the generous funding of the FASS Canada 150 Project, and with the support of the Department of History, the Department of Political Science, the Department of First Nations Studies, and the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs. 

There will be a 3-hour seminar and a 1-hour tutorial each week.  Tutorials start Week Two.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Guest lecture responses (2 x 15%) 30%
  • Round Table responses (2 x 5%) 10%
  • Poster session 20%
  • Final project 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Weekly readings will be made available via Canvas. 

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS