Time Schedule:
Melanie K Kill
BIS 317
Bothell Campus
Explores the determining role of language in human communication, culture and worldview; and the implications of language structure and content to forms of communicative interaction. Review and critique of theories of language as a social phenomena.
Class description
SPRING 2007: Linguistic Diversity & Fear of Miscommunication
It is commonplace to identify complex language use as the trait makes humans distinct from other animals, but despite the idea that language connects us as human beings, in practice it is frequently used as a means of division. In the biblical account of the tower of Babel, god divides humanity with different languages in order to foil their collaborative efforts to build a tower up into the heavens. In our daily lives it is people who do the dividing, making assumptions about a person's background--nationality, economic class, level of education, etc.--and often, by extension, their character--personality traits, moral principles, intelligence, etc.--based on the language they use. This tension between connection and division is at the heart of much concern with language that informs common attitudes toward linguistic diversity and language policy in the United States. Focusing on this point of tension, in this course we will explore questions such as: What do people expect of communication? What are the relationships between language, thought, and identity? How and why do languages change over time? What is the history of languages in the U.S.? These questions will contribute to the larger goal of developing understanding of what drives concern about miscommunication and what are the effects of this fear.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
This will be an inquiry-based course in which each member of the class brings their prior and developing knowledge and skills to bear on the questions we address. Primary methods of instruction will include readings, writing assignments, in-class and online discussion, small group workshops, and some lecture.
Recommended preparation
Curiosity, interest in the social significance of language use and attitudes about it, and willingness to explore questions with complex answers.
Class assignments and grading
Careful reading, inquisitive thinking, and thoughtful writing will be central to success in this class. Assignments will include readings in a variety of fields--sociolinguistics, philosophy, language policy, linguistic anthropology, etc.--informal in-class and online writing, several short essays, and one longer paper requiring research.
Grades will be assigned on the basis of engaged participation in class activities and timely submission of written assignments (approx. 40%) culminating in a final portfolio of written work that students will compile by selecting, revising, and reflecting on work done throughout the quarter (approx. 60%).
