LING 46000 - Language In Society

In this module we look at the dual-directional influence of society on language, and language on society. Students will develop an awareness of language in its plurality, to accurately understand how language is used by people in local and global contexts to construct identities and linguistic communities. There is also a focus on the implications of the spread of English as a global language. Topics explored include regional and social dialects, language contact, language change, linguistic imperialism, multilingualism, language policies in education and so on. We also look at the implications of sociolinguistic research for language acquisition and language teaching, particularly in contexts where learners use a second language as a medium of study, such as English medium instruction.

Cr. 3.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate knowledge of major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical patterns, or historical contexts within a given social or behavioral domain.
2. Demonstrate basic literacy in social, behavioral, or historical research methods and analyses.
3. Read critically, summarize, apply, analyze, and synthesize information and concepts in written and visual texts as the basis for developing original ideas and claims.
4. Use appropriate organization or logical sequencing to deliver an oral message.
5. Summarize or paraphrase an oral message to demonstrate comprehension.
6. Distinguish between scientific and non-scientific evidence and explanations.
7. Locate reliable sources of scientific evidence to construct arguments related to real-world issues.