Embedded Files
Seminar in Linguistic Analysis
Syllabus
This course has scheduled meetings on campus.
Photo by Carlos Vergara, "Sém título, da série Carnaval" (Untitled, from the series Carnival), 1972, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
I came across this stunning photo during the summer, in a visit to the Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibit at LACMA (through September 2023):
"The artist followed the group Cacique de Ramos, a traditional Carnival street troupe founded in 1961 in Rio, to document their new ways of representing Black empowerment, exemplified here by a trio of bare-chested Black men with the word PODER (POWER) written in white letters over their chests. The gravity of their message challenged the idealized, apolitical imagery that frequently defines Carnival."
I came across this stunning photo during the summer, in a visit to the Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibit at LACMA (through September 2023):
"The artist followed the group Cacique de Ramos, a traditional Carnival street troupe founded in 1961 in Rio, to document their new ways of representing Black empowerment, exemplified here by a trio of bare-chested Black men with the word PODER (POWER) written in white letters over their chests. The gravity of their message challenged the idealized, apolitical imagery that frequently defines Carnival."
Who are you? What does identity mean to you?
Who are you? What does identity mean to you?
You are invited to bring your personal experiences to this course.
Together, we will critically evaluate the role of language as a catalyst of identity.
A range of voices will be our guide, as we explore selves--and visions of others--across languages, narratives, and communities.
Check out this special video welcome to ENG420/582, Language and Identity!
Check out this special video welcome to ENG420/582, Language and Identity!
Pro tip: Sign up for an office-hours appointment on our Course Calendar on Canvas!
That way, you and I can meet via Zoom videoconference, audio, or online chat.
We’ll discuss your questions & talk about your goals as a linguist and language advocate.
Welcome, Linguists!
Welcome, Linguists!
Greetings From Your Instructor
Greetings From Your Instructor
I'm Dr. Jamie A. Thomas, and I will be your instructor for Language and Identity!
I really look forward to learning with you. 😊 My research addresses identity formation, language, and representation in popular media, classrooms and higher education, and public space. All of this experience informs my approach to teaching on this subject.
For example, I have explored the learning of Swahili amid popular culture in Mexico, Tanzania, and the U.S. (the subject of my forthcoming book Zombies Speak Swahili).
Through an extended stay in Jordan, I explored race and gender in the learning of Arabic.
I have also used self-reflection (and autoethnography) as a means of examining my own identity as a researcher across various contexts.
In our time together, I pledge to bring you content that:
is affordable and low-cost,
encourages interpersonal learning and creativity,
expands our understanding of how language works, and
provides examples of how linguists can contribute to equity and fairness.
What an exciting semester we have ahead of us!
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas
(pronouns: she/they)
About This Syllabus
About This Syllabus
Welcome to this "liquid" (digital) syllabus!
This syllabus is designed to be mobile-friendly and provide you with essential information to support you with a successful start in this course.
This syllabus is provided as a website so you can easily access it from your smartphone.
I encourage you to bookmark it on your phone so it's easy to find and reference when you need it.
Explore the "Schedule of Topics" within this syllabus for previews and links to our course content.
How to Contact Me Directly
How to Contact Me Directly
My Preferred Contact Method is the Canvas Inbox
My Preferred Contact Method is the Canvas Inbox
Alternatively, you may email me.
If you contact me Monday-Friday, please allow 24-48 hours for a response.
The subject line of your message should begin with our Course number: "ENG420" OR "ENG582"
How to Get Answers to General Questions
How to Get Answers to General Questions
Use the Q&A Discussion
(This discussion is on our Canvas course site!)Use the Q&A Discussion
The Q&A Discussion on our Canvas course page is a great place for general, course-related questions. Your peers might even answer you there!
If your question is personal in nature, please send it directly to me through the Canvas inbox or email.
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