Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - POL 325 E100

Language and Politics (4)

Class Number: 5075

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the relationship between language and politics, including the relations of power that shape the choice of state language(s), the origins and effects of language regimes, the politics of linguistic minorities and concerns relating to linguistic justice and equality. Students with credit for POL 329 Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics under the title Language and Politics may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Aristotle once wrote that human beings were naturally political animals because they possessed speech (logos), which elevated them above concerns of mere survival. Human beings could therefore deliberate together on issues of justice and engage in the highest form of life, political life. We Moderns seem to have lost this exalted sense of political life. Yet language remains. It is still what binds us to political community. It is the basic medium through which politics is made possible. The aim of this course is to take the connection between language and politics seriously. Some of the questions we will ask include: What is language? How does language relate to power and political reality? How is language governed, by whom, and according to what criteria? How is it used as a political tool or weapon? How does it constitute the political world and how does politics, in turn, shape it? Throughout the course, we will explore many of the different ways and contexts in which language and politics converge. We will discuss Indigenous languages and cultures in Canada, theories of linguistic community and the nation-state, the linguistic structure of ideologies, propaganda, free speech, the role of language in fascist and totalitarian politics, the role of language in liberal democracies, and the function of political concepts. Students will develop the skills to analyze and deconstruct political speeches and texts.

Grading

  • In-Class Test 20%
  • Representation in Media Assignment 20%
  • Critical Film Review 20%
  • Participation 15%
  • Final Essay 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course readings are available on Canvas in PDF form.


 


Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.