Section B03. Whose Language Is It Anyway?
In this course, we will explore some of the controversies surrounding the use of language in contemporary America. Topics will include the development of American English, so-called "standard" versus "non-standard" dialects (including the debate over Black English and how "good" English is defined), political correctness and the phenomenon of hate speech, how political issues are framed, media coverage of controversial stories, and the role of gender in language use. Students will be encouraged to identify, explore, and share their growing knowledge of language-related topics of interest to them. In an effort to understand the power of words, we will ask not only how we are influenced by particular uses of language, but also how the way we use language can actually change the world.
(Susan Dearing)