Bachelor
2021/2022
Language in Society
Type:
Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)
Area of studies:
Linguistics
Delivered by:
School of Foreign Languages
Where:
School of Foreign Languages
When:
2 year, 2, 3 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
38
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course examines language as a social practice, focusing on different aspects of its role in social life and in relation to gender, social class, age, ethnicity, national origin and geography. Students will look at how languages function socially, how individuals and groups actually use language and what this “shapes” them/us. They will examine how linguistic variation can reflect social structures and construct diverse social identities. Students will discuss the impact that cultural identity has on language use. Students will be introduced to key concepts, theories, and methods in sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology.
Learning Objectives
- Students will have obtained basic knowledge about the theory of sociolinguistics
- Students will have learnt about major research directions in sociolinguistics
- Students will have analyzed cases applying the sociolinguistic knowledge they will have obtained
- Students will have developed a critical understanding of the way language is used in society
Expected Learning Outcomes
- To familiarize students with the field of sociolinguistics and sociolinguistic theory
- To understand how and why social factors may affect one’s language behaviour
- To understand the relationship between language and society
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 3rd module0.4 * Exam + 0.2 * Assignment + 0.2 * Presentation + 0.2 * Mid-term test
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Holmes, J., & Wilson, N. (2017). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (Vol. Fifth Edition). Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1467482
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Mesthrie, R. (2011). The Cambridge Handbook of Sociolinguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=400558