First-Year Writing Seminar (105-8-23)

Topic

Language Diversity & Linguistic Justice

Instructors

Lisa Del Torto
847/491-4967
555 Clark St., Room 204

Meeting Info

University Library 3722: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Language is one of the main ways we are perceived, categorized, and even assessed for opportunities. Ideas about what language "should be" shape how we are understood in classrooms, workplaces, media, and everyday interactions. These ideas influence whose knowledge is valued, whose voices are heard, and whose ways of speaking and writing are labeled "professional," "intelligent," or "correct." Yet few people and institutions ever stop to ask why this is or how we might do things differently. This seminar takes those questions as its starting point!

We'll examine how language reflects and reproduces social hierarchies while also exploring strategies for resistance and change. We'll focus on language as a social practice rather than a fixed object or set of rules. This focus will allow us to question dominant narratives about language, consider how institutions (including universities) uphold or challenge those narratives, and explore language diversity as a source of belonging, equity, access, and justice.

As a first-year writing seminar, our course will focus on developing core academic skills such as framing questions, analyzing evidence, engaging with and synthesizing sources, writing for different audiences, and revising in response to feedback. Our readings will come from scholarly sources as well as popular non-fiction. Throughout our writing projects and class discussions, you'll get to pursue your own curiosities and concerns about language and power.

Class Materials (Required)

Most of our course materials will be available via free download on Canvas. There is one book that students will purchase, rent, or access via course reserves: Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein (2024). 6th Edition. They Say/I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. ISBN: 978-1324070030. Used and new books are equally fine as are print and e-books. This book ranges in price from about $15-$35, and can be found at the Norris Bookstore as well as from various online booksellers.

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.