Fall 2007

SOC 352M • Language and Speech in American Society

Course Description

Talking to friends, listening to the radio, watching TV, communicating by email, or using the internet make us aware of the diversity of ways of speaking in the United States. This diversity becomes even more striking when we look at American society more generally, in relation to history and geography, with regard to such social and cultural categories as gender, ethnicity, and class, and in terms of such institutions as politics, law, medicine, and education. This course provides understanding of the languages, dialects, and patterns of speaking in American society. Topics covered: Languages and dialects in the USA Black English/Ebonics Language and language use among American Indians Language use in Hispanic communities Language and gender Language and medicine Language and law Language and education Playful, expressive, and artistic uses of language Storytelling Nonverbal communication language and music.

Grading Policy

Two exams during the semester; no final exam Two short projects involving analysis of language and speech in American society Reading: assigned book and course packet.

Exams 45%
Projects 45%
Class participation 10%

Texts

Edited book and course packet.

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