Linguistics 334 - Language and Politics

Institution:

Reed College

Subject:

Description:

Full course for one semester. This course examines some of the core issues of contemporary sociopolitical theory from a semiotic- and linguistic-anthropological perspective. We address questions such as: To what degree is power a semiotic phenomenon In what sense are "nations" and other political communities linguistically constructed How might states be legitimated or authorized by particular discursive forms Is a common language necessary (or sufficient) for forming a cohesive political community What role do the institutions of linguistic standardization play in modern statehood What are the semiotic and linguistic mechanisms through which novel political structures are instituted How does political rhetoric, or propaganda, "work" Readings will include classic statements on the nature of political power-in which language often plays an essential, if implicit and routinely unnoticed, theoretical role-as well as contemporary work, both theoretical and ethnographic, on the politics of language and the language of politics. Prerequisite: Linguistics 212 or equivalent, or consent of the instructor. Conference. Cross-listed as Anthropology Anthropology 334 Description

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.reed.edu

Phone Number:

(503) 771-1112

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Semester

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