Spring 2019 - LING 160 D100
Language, Culture and Society (3)
Class Number: 1704
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 11, 2019
Thu, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Sessional Instructor
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to language in its social and cultural dimensions. Students who have taken LING 260 prior to Fall 2008 may not take LING 160 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
COURSE DETAILS:
How do language, culture, and society affect one another? This course examines how language is both a system of communication between individuals and a social phenomenon, something that is shaped and formed by those who use it (users) and their uses for it as they communicate. This shaping of a language in terms of distinct and changing sounds, grammatical forms, vocabulary, and phrasings varies from community to community, or different (cultural) contexts.
In this course, we will explore a wide range of sociolinguistic topics, including multilingual speech communities, language maintenance in speech communities, and language change. We will further consider the phenomena of regional (e.g. Newfoundland English) and social (e.g. the Queen’s English) dialects, and how language use varies according to social factors, such as ethnicity, gender, age, and class/caste. The role of politeness in different cultures, stereotypes in language use, variation (e.g. Can. “washroom” vs. Am. “restroom”), the linguistic construction of sexuality, and conversation analysis are additional topics.
A detailed course outline will be distributed during the first week of classes.
Grading
- Class participation (incl. attendance & participation in-class goup work assignments) 10%
- In-class writing assignments (3 x 5%) 15%
- Take-home project 15%
- Chapter tests (3 x 10%) 30%
- Final Exam 30%
NOTES:
This course may be applied towards the Certificate in Liberal Arts or the Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, but not both.
Linguistics program students cannot count this course towards their breadth requirements unless in joint or double majors, extended minor, or double minors program.
Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities at http://www.sfu.ca/linguistics/undergraduate/standards.html
Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.
All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.
Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities (778-782-3112 or csdo@sfu.ca).
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Holmes, Janet, and Wilson, Nick (2017). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (5th revised ed.) Routledge. ISBN: 9781138845015.
Please note that students are responsible for the content in this latest edition. The content of older editions is not identical to that of the latest edition.
A list of additional readings (available via Library Reserve) may be distributed in class.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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