Language, Race, and Ethnicity in the U.S. (365-0-1)
Instructors
Shalini Shankar
847/467-1638
1810 Hinman Ave., Room #212, EV Campus
I am a professor of Anthropology and Asian American Studies and have been teaching at NU since 2007. I focus on race, ethnicity, language, youth, media, advertising, and consumption in Asian diasporas.
Meeting Info
ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues 5:00PM - 7:50PM
Overview of class
This upper-level undergraduate/ graduate seminar examines relationships between language and race in the contemporary United States. It pairs major theoretical concepts from linguistic anthropology, sociolinguistics, and critical race and ethnic studies to examine ethnographic case studies about racialization, prejudice, inequality, colonialism/ post colonialism, and white supremacy. The course will focus primarily on Asian American and Pacific Islander speakers but will examine language practices by Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans for comparative perspective. Topics include: language in media; bilingualism in schools and workplaces; the English Only movement; social media activism; names and naming; colonialism and postcolonialism; and transracial formations. Students will also be asked to apply course concepts to analyze relevant contemporary language forms as found in politics, social issues, expressive forms, media representations, and institutions.
Evaluation Method
Undergrad: either three 4-6 page essays OR one final research paper prospectus and 20 page paper.
Grad: Final research paper prospectus and 20 page paper.
Class Materials (Required)
All readings will be made available electronically through Canvas or library reserves.
Class Notes
Attendance at the first class is mandatory. If you miss the first class, email sshankar@northwestern.edu to discuss the possibility of adding/keeping the class. Attendance is required at all class meetings unless excusable for health or emergency. This class is not recommended for first and second year students. There are no prerequisites but previous social science coursework is recommended.
Class Attributes
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area