Language and Gender

Catalog description

In this class, we explore how language reflects, and is reflected upon, one facet of our identities: gender. We will explore the complex relationships between gender and aspects of language such as conversation, narrative, pronunciation, grammar, and pragmatic norms. We will also discuss the intersection of gender and other social factors, such as race or culture, as manifested in the language use. Students will also have an opportunity to discuss how gender is represented in the media and online, as well as how gender is situated in institutional contexts, such as home, school, work, and law. There is no prior knowledge of linguistics or social theory required for this class. Course activities include lectures, class discussions, in-class article presentation, language observations, hands-on data analysis, and a final project.