Language & Gender (223-0-20)
Instructors
Gregory L Ward
847/491-8055
2016 Sheridan Rd., Room 203
Office Hours: after class and by appt
Meeting Info
University Hall 122: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
An exploration of the role that gender plays in the language of and about men and women, focusing on gendered speech as part of social practice in local communities. Topics include identity categories and labels, gender-based slurs and reclaimed epithets (e.g. "bitch" and "slut"), gender vs. sex vs. sexuality, the contested notion of ‘political correctness', sexist/misogynist language, and the role of linguistic prescriptivism. This course satisfies the WCAS Area III Distribution Requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Registration Requirements
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Learning Objectives
To develop a deep understanding of current issues in gender studies from a linguistic perspective, specifically:
- To think critically about gender, sex, and language - and about the relations among them;
- To identify, analyze, and provide a theoretical framework for gender differences in language;
- To explore the role of language in constructing gender in our society; that is, how children and adults learn (and often are explicitly taught) to produce what is considered gender-appropriate language;
- To examine gender stereotypes from a linguistic perspective with an eye to increasing awareness of and sensitivity to gender bias in language;
- To underscore the importance of gender studies within the broader field of linguistics.
Teaching Method
Student- and instructor-led class discussion
Evaluation Method
Class/section participation, 4 reaction papers, a midterm exam, a journal, and either a second midterm or a final project/paper.
Class Materials (Required)
Course materials are free, distributed through the class Canvas site with handouts available on-line.
Class Materials (Suggested)
N/A
Class Attributes
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
SDG Reduced Inequality
SDG Gender Equality
Associated Classes
DIS - Locy Hall 314: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Cresap Laboratory 101: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Locy Hall 314: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM
DIS - Locy Hall 305: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM
DIS - Cresap Laboratory 101: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - Locy Hall 305: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM