Face-To-Face Interaction

Catalog description

The objective of this course is to critically examine the role of face-to-face interaction in defining, maintaining and challenging power relations in culture and society. How are social and power relations created, performed, and maintained through the choices speech participants make when they interact with one another? How do interactants establish harmony, (co)construct sociocultural solidarity, and avoid or foster conflict? These and other questions will be explored through an analysis of speakers’ subtle communicative behaviors in face-to-face interaction. Besides becoming aware of the role that language plays in these various sociocultural settings, in this course students will also develop better critical thinking skills and an analytic eye on language and culture that will be useful both inside and outside the classroom. No pre-reqs.