The Study of Culture through Language (215-0-1)

Instructors

Doris S. Warriner

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L07: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

What is the relationship between language, culture and individual thought? How do adults use language to help children become culturally competent? How do historical and contemporary social phenomena shape language and communication practices? From language socialization and storytelling, to multilingualism and language ideologies, communication performs as social action to influence dynamics of power, agency, representation, and identity. This course offers an introduction to the anthropological investigation of language, culture and society. With an eye on large-scale social processes such as colonialism, diaspora, education, empire, migration, and nationalism, we delve into case studies that illuminate the work that language (and talk about language) does for individuals and communities in specific contexts. Topics covered include language and community, language socialization, language standardization, language revitalization, language and identity, language ideology, language and colonialism, and linguistic discrimination. Major assignments include weekly readings, weekly discussions, a take-home midterm essay exam, and a research paper.

Learning Objectives

One goal of the course is to understand how theories and research from anthropology can help elucidate contemporary social issues, social problems, and/or ethical dilemmas in the US and abroad, as well as inform potential solutions to such issues and problems. Another goal of the course is to develop the ability to critique theories, claims, and policy from anthropology's global approach, evaluating an argument's major assertions and assumptions based on its evidence and utility. In addition, students will acquire the ability to apply key theoretical concepts from the field of linguistic anthropology to their original analysis of cross-cultural examples (e.g., from educational settings, policy statements, social media, and everyday interaction).

Class Materials (Required)

Davis, J. (2018). Talking Indian: Identity and Language Revitalization in the Chickasaw Renaissance. University of Arizona Press. ISBN: 9780816540969 (paperback) | Ebook ISBN: 9780816538157 (ebook)

Wortham, S. & Reyes, A. (2021). Discourse Analysis Beyond the Speech Event. 2nd ed. Routledge. ISBN 9780367503741 (paperback) | ISBN 9781003049708 (ebook)

Class Materials (Suggested)

Other readings available via Canvas.

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues 8:30AM - 9:20AM

DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Wed 8:30AM - 9:20AM

DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Thurs 8:30AM - 9:20AM

DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Fri 8:30AM - 9:20AM