DGS 158 - Language, Culture and Power: The Politics of Language

5 Credits

Examines the issue of the politics of language across U.S. history through a variety of media such as film, websites, literature, visual art, music and/or research-based articles. Topics covered include language and colonization, facts and controversies surrounding African American English, the rise of English-Only movements, linguistic rage and resistance, and language heritage and reclamation projects. Includes an introduction to socio-linguistic and/or multicultural rhetorical theory as tools for analysis.

Fees

Quarters Typically Offered

Designed to Serve General student body
Active Date 2012-05-03

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 38
Contact Hours: Lecture 55 Lab 0 Field Studies 0 Clinical 0 Independent Studies 0
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Diversity & Globalism
Humanities Area I

Course Outline
1) Discussion and analysis of cultural, historical, social and political context of language within Native American, African American and immigrant communities. 2) Discussion and analysis of a diverse range of critical and creative responses to language policies impacting Native American, African American and immigrant communities. 3) Introduction to multicultural language theory (socio-linguistic and/or rhetorical) as it applies to the work under discussion.

Student Learning Outcomes
Recognize and articulate how language is political for historically marginalized ethnic communities.

Identify how one’s own position (in terms of race, gender, culture, class, sexual orientation and ethnicity) influences one’s reaction to the politics of language.

Respond to and analyze the politics of language in at least two different forms of expression, one of which must be artistic (e.g., literature and research-based scholarship; “informational” website and poem) with knowledge of historical context.

Recognize and critically analyze diverse forms (artistic, political, cultural, etc.) of rage and resistance relative to the politics of language.