This course explores connections between language use and gender systems through a variety of theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and findings in recent research. Course materials draw from anthropological, linguistic, and psychological studies that address questions such as the following: How do patterns of speaking and interpreting reflect, perpetuate, and create our experience of gender? What do controversies about sexism and other biases in language suggest about the connections between language, thought, and social-political issues?

Are differences in language use reflective of or contributive to the dominance of one gender over another? Or are differences in language use merely indicative of different cultures or subcultures linked to gender?

The formal study of language and gender is a young one and as such, has raised more questions than it has answered. You have the opportunity in this class to investigate some of these questions in terms of your own experience, and to progress toward finding answers through your own research.

Evaluation:
Participation: attendance, discussion, assignments:          40%
Essay:                                                                           15%
Final project:                                                                  45%

Assignments:
A minimum of three assignments (some types: journal, short essay, exercises, summaries of readings) must be satisfactorily completed. These may be assigned at any point during the semester. In addition, I will offer the opportunity to do extra-credit assignments which will be factored into your participation grade.

Essay:
A well-organized, typewritten essay (approximately 3-5 double-spaced pages) on a topic TBA.

Final Project:
In about a month, you will submit to me a proposal for a final project which explores, elucidates, describes, analyzes, or reports on a set of linguistic practices that correlate with gender roles. This may be a paper, a video, an audio report, a presentation, or anything else you and I agree on in writing. Whatever you choose to do research on, you will analyze it following the theoretical positions discussed. Guidelines and suggestions will follow.

Outline:
Overview and Orientation