Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - LING 160 B100

Language, Culture and Society (3)

Class Number: 4719

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the relationship between language use and social structure. Considers how social factors such as gender, class, age, and ethnicity may be reflected in language use, as well as "big picture" topics that include multilingualism, dialect variation, language policy and linguistic stereotypes. Encourages students to think critically about the social dimensions of language. Open to all students. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

 

COURSE DETAILS:

 

This course provides an introduction to sociolinguistics, the study of how language practices are culturally organized, socially mediated, and historically situated, and how they participate in the production of social relations, identities, and ideologies. You will learn about the role of language in the construction of social identities, relationships, and power structures.

 

The course explores key topics such as language variation and change, multilingualism, language attitudes and ideologies, discourse and interaction, gender and language, ethnicity and race, and language in institutional and global contexts. Through illustrations from real-world examples and attention to the linguacultural norms of social groups, students will explore how social factors such as class, age, gender, ethnicity, and geography intersect with linguistic practices.

 

The course also introduces foundational perspectives from linguistic anthropology, encouraging students to think critically about the relationship between language, culture, and society. Students will develop skills in observing, and reflecting on everyday language practices, with particular attention to their own linguistic experiences and social surroundings.

 

By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation for understanding how language operates as a social resource and a key site of meaning-making in contemporary societies.

 

MODE OF INSTRUCTION: 

This is a blended course. Students will attend one-hour in-person class each week and complete approximately two additional hours of online activities at their convenience.

MODE OF DELIVERY:

 

Blended. In-person lecture (Wednesdays 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM) and two hours of participation in virtual activities.

Grading

  • Midterm 1 20%
  • Midterm 2 20%
  • Midterm 3 20%
  • Assignments 30%
  • Class Participation 10%
  • No Final Exam

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: 

Laptop/desktop/tablet, Internet

 

REQUIRED TEXT:

No textbook is required.

Reading materials and slides will be made available on Canvas.  

RECOMMENDED READING:

Holmes, J., & Wilson, N. (2022). An introduction to sociolinguistics (6th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367821852


Stanlaw, J., Adachi, N., & Salzmann, Z. (2018). Language, culture, and society: An introduction to linguistic anthropology (7th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429495076


Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities.

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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.