First-Year Writing Seminar (105-8-1)

Topic

What is it like speaking Spanish in the U.S.? An e

Instructors

César Enrique Hoyos Álvarez

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall 114: Mon, Wed, Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

What is it like speaking Spanish in the U.S.? An exploration of language and raciolinguistic ideologies

This course explores the intersections between language, identity, race, and power through the lived experiences of Spanish speakers in the U.S. Together, we'll examine how Spanish has been perceived, valued, and racialized across different social contexts, uncovering how language ideologies influence speakers' various aspects of their everyday lives. Drawing from sociolinguistic and critical frameworks, we'll explore topics such as bilingualism, linguistic discrimination, Spanglish, and the political dimension of language. Along the way, you'll be invited to reflect on your own linguistic journey, whether you've grown up navigating one or multiple languages, or are just beginning to learn one, and consider how language connects to your identity, your experiences, and the communities around you. Throughout the quarter, you will read academic articles, compose analytical essays, and participate in Canvas discussion posts to reflect and engage with peers in course concepts.

Learning Objectives

- Examine historical and contemporary perceptions of Spanish in different U.S. social contexts and evaluate how these perceptions shape public policy, education, and social life.
- Describe and reflect on bilingual and translanguaging practices (including Spanglish) as legitimate and culturally meaningful forms of communication.
- Develop critical literacy by interpreting how language practices reflect broader social structures and inequalities.

Class Materials (Required)

Speaking Spanish in the US: The Sociopolitics of Language by Janet M. Fuller, Jennifer Leeman
https://www.multilingual-matters.com/page/detail/Speaking-Spanish-in-the-US/?k=9781788928281

ISBN: 9781788928274

All other materials will be provided for students on Canvas.

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

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