Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - LING 806 G100

Sociolinguistics (3)

Class Number: 6362

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the most prominent aspects of the interface between language and society, and the qualitative and quantitative methods that are used to investigate it.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Since language is inherently a social phenomenon, this course explores the critical role social factors play in shaping the functions (uses) and forms (e.g. phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, discourse) of languages. Sociolinguistics focuses on how social variables such as class, education, gender, age, and/or ethnicity can influence, change, and be reflected in language use. It further considers the phenomenon of linguistic variation, which occurs both within and across different areal, social, and cultural contexts.

 

In fall 2020, this graduate-level course explores the field of Sociolinguistics specifically as relates to language contact arising from the international spread of English. The course considers not only the linguistic, but also the social, political, and educational ramifications of this unprecedented phenomenon for the world’s speech communities and their languages. Topics to be addressed include the adoption of English as an Additional Language, the role of globalization in this process, and issues concerning World Languages (e.g. French, Spanish, Chinese, etc.) in general. In-depth consideration will be given to the theory of World Englishes, looking at research on linguistic aspects of English use in the Inner, Outer (Asia, Africa), and Expanding Circles (Europe, South America). The seminar will review the language contact processes of Englishization and nativization, as well as the concepts of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) and as an International Language (EIL). Other topics include English use in various domains (the media, education, business), the pedagogy of World Englishes, and Center – Periphery dynamics, especially as concerns Non-native English Speaking Teachers (NNESTs).

 

While primary emphasis will be on qualitative, macrosociolinguistic research methods, readings and discussion also will examine formal, quantitative, empirical, and microsociolinguistic studies. Students therefore specializing in various fields (e.g. Phonetics/Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Discourse, Language Pedagogy, Language Policy) will find the course of relevance. Students will complete a term paper on a topic of their choice, which may focus on formal or functional aspects of this language contact situation as concerns any of the world’s speech communities

 

The course is not limited to graduate students in Linguistics, but may be of interest also to students in other disciplines, such as French, Education, and Political Science.

 

Grading

  • Tentative Course Assignments:
  • Teleconference attendance and participation in class discussion 12%
  • Participation in on-line discussion board 15%
  • Leading in-class article discussions 15%
  • Two mid-term exams 25%
  • Research paper (graded in components) 33%

NOTES:

NO FINAL EXAM

 

A detailed course syllabus will be distributed during the first week of class.



Course modifications for remote instruction –

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the originally scheduled three hours of weekly instruction on campus Thursdays from 2:30 to 5:20 pm PST will now be conducted entirely online.

 

Because this is a graduate seminar, the class will meet synchronously for the full 3 hours originally scheduled for course meetings. This will be done via Zoom or similar technology, and students will have the option of joining the virtual class meetings via computer or telephone, using video with audio or audio connection only. Please note that if telephoning into the session, long-distance calling charges may apply.

 

In addition, the professor will hold a total of 2 hours of optional virtual office hours each week, divided over Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students therefore will be able to interact with the professor directly via teleconference on multiple days.

 

The course otherwise relies extensively on using the University’s licensed section of Canvas, which is a website-based online learning platform for managing and storing course assignments, documents, grades, etc.

 

No technologies other than those noted above are planned to be used.

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) can and will 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 Accessible Learning(caladmin@sfu.ca).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Blommaert, Jan. 2010. The Sociolinguistics of Globalization. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. (ca. 229 pages).
ISBN: 9780521710237

Seidlhofer, Barbara. 2011. Understanding English as a Lingua Franca. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Swaan, Abram de. 2001/2002. Words of the World: The Global Language System. Malden, Mass.: Polity Press.

Select journal articles and book chapters. This material will be available via the SFU library website.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).