Modern Languages (MLAL)

MLAL 1400. Introduction to Sociolinguistics. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the field of sociolinguistics, which studies how language and language use are shaped by social and cultural contexts. The course will provide a survey of important topics in sociolinguistics, including language variation and change; language contact and multilingualism; language standardization; and language ideologies. We will also explore the development of sociolinguistics as a discipline from first wave single-variation studies to third-wave studies on social meaning expressed through language style.

Attribute: LING.

MLAL 2025. "You talk like a ____": Language, Identity and Stereotype. (4 Credits)

What does it mean to “talk like a ____?” Can you tell where someone is from by listening to them? Can you guess their race, ethnicity, gender, or social class? This course will explore how language is used in the creation of identity and social difference. Through a variety of linguistic anthropological and sociolinguistic texts, we will look at how ways of thinking about language (language ideologies) affect ways of thinking about people who speak language. We will analyze how language and linguistic difference intersects with authority, power, identity, and performance. Four-credit courses that meet for 150 minutes per week require three additional hours of class preparation per week on the part of the student in lieu of an additional hour of formal instruction.

Attribute: ANTH.

MLAL 3031. Chinese Cultural Concepts. (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to the complexity and diversity of China and Chinese culture through a range of topics, such as family and kinship, popular religion, women and gender, gift exchange and guanxi networks, economic and social reforms, Maoism, post-Maoism, and globalization. We will approach these issues through anthropological, sociological, and historical texts. This course aims to deepen students’ knowledge of contemporary Chinese society and provide them with a nuanced understanding of cultural differences. Conducted in English with English and Mandarin texts in translation. Coursework and readings in Mandarin for credit toward the Mandarin minor. Note: Four-credit courses that meet for 150 minutes per week require three additional hours of class preparation per week on the part of the student in lieu of an additional hour of formal instruction.

Attributes: ALC, ANTH, CNST, COLI, GLBL, INST, ISAS.

MLAL 3057. Medieval German Literature: Potions, Passions, Players, and Prayers. (4 Credits)

This course will introduce students to the rich literary and cultural heritage of Medieval Germany. The texts will all be read in English translation, but we will go over some passages in their original languages in class to catch some of the flavor of the Medieval German. Topics covered will include pre-Christian charms, the epic of the Nibelungs, love poetry, and urban carneval plays. Four-credit courses that meet for 150 minutes per week require three additional hours of class preparation per week on the part of the student in lieu of an additional hour of formal instruction.

Attributes: ALC, GERM, MVLI, MVST.

Prerequisite: GERM 2001.