Spring 2005

LAS 324L • LANG/CUL/SOCIETY IN LAT AMER

Course Description

his course provides a sociolinguistic and linguistic anthropological introduction to Latin America. Geographically, the range will be from Tierra del Fuego to Chicago, thus seeing Latin America as ranging, sociolinguistically at least, from North to South America. Attention will be paid to indigenous, European, and African languages and cultures in Latin America. Topics to be studied include language histories and classifications; languages in contact (bilingualism, code switching, etc.); linguistic variation of various kinds; language in relation to identity, class, ethnicity, and gender; forms of discourse; rituals and fiestas; language and music; language and education; and speech play and verbal art. In addition to class lectures and discussion, audio and video tape materials will be used, as well as the internet.

Texts

2 mid term exams: 45% 2 short projects/papers: 45% class participation: 10% There is no textbook for the class. There will be a course packet.

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