This grows out of the recognition that conversation is not merely a conduit for information but the site for expression of institutional identities, gender, and power. This course introduces students to principles for the study of conversation. Course members will be actively engaged in the analysis of existing data as well as gathering and studying data they collect. Course assignments will include the analysis of small problem sets based on audio and video taped interaction, designing and gathering a sample of conversation, and a small paper growing out of the data collection. Introduction to Linguistic Analysis.
Nothing is more distinctly human than our ability to use language.
Introduction to Language. In this course, we will explore the human capacity for language, beginning with the ways language differs from animal communication and with how children acquire language. After a brief investigation of the relationship between language and thought, we will consider social attitudes toward language. The course concludes with an examination of American Sign Language and its role in Deaf culture. Course work includes eight short homework assignments, one midterm, and a final exam.