EKIA463 Language and Identity (5 cr)

Content

Every time we use language, we identify ourselves in some way—both through what we say and how we say it. On this course students overview the connection between language use and identity, while discussing related themes of social power, discourse and ideology.

Completion methods

Contact teaching: Classes will consist of lectures, discussion and analytical exercises, with reading (and video) tasks as homework. The final three classes will consist of reading workshops in which students pursue and discuss their own language and identity interests, culminating in a final course paper.

Assessment details

Active participation in class, workshops, final course paper.

After completing the course, students will be able to:

• understand the relationship between language and identity
• understand various approaches to language and identity research
• analyse ways in which identities are constructed in discourse
• understand the social origins and implications of the language/identity connection
• discuss and debate socially relevant issues within language and identity research

80% attendance requirement. The course is heavily discussion based.

Compulsory reading material will be provided during the course.