Language in Society: Theory, Analysis and Interpretation

In this course, you will gain an understanding of the theoretical perspectives that shape sociolinguistic research. Through the readings assigned in the course, you will learn about the analytical frameworks researchers employ in the interpretation of empirical data. We will survey the latest advances in English sociolinguistics concerning, for example, how the English language varies across the lifespan for individuals, how patterns of regional dialects are shifting, how speakers construct and negotiate masculine and feminine identities in interaction, and the societal consequences of linguistic variation. You will have the opportunity to choose a specific area of interest for in-depth study for your class presentation