How does language shape us?

The Question

How does language shape us? How do we learn it? Who is it meant for? How does language privilege some over others? How does language affect memory? How does language change over time?

We will discuss these questions and more over the course of the semester, both in class and on this blog. This site is a shared opportunity between two classes, where you will learn a little about language and you will learn a little about each other.

The Assignment

You are responsible for posting 24 reflective comments throughout the course of the semester that demonstrate critical thinking skills. Your comments may be on the post itself or on someone else's comment. All comments will be assessed on the full credit scale. Only planned, well-thought out, edited comments will receive full credit. Whenever you want to know how many comments I have recorded for you, I will respond to email inquiries only.

Please remember that this is not a forum for attacking - this is a forum for expansion and thought. There should be no derisive comments made at any point to your peers. Also, please keep in mind safe internet habits. Sign your posts with a first name and last initial and do not reveal personal information such as phone numbers, addresses, or bank information.

The News

NPR
BBC
MSNBC
The Arbiter
Idaho Statesman
Boise Weekly
Feminst Majority Foundation
Men's News Daily

The Archives

August 2006
September 2006
October 2006
November 2006
December 2006

The Extras

I am offering extra credit throughout the semester for anyone who notices language use outside of the class that relates to what we are discussing in class. This could be a film, a billboard, a conversation with a parent...anything that you can connect to our conversations. First, you will talk to me about it to discuss the direction you will take when you write it and what I expect before giving you extra credit. Then you will write up a two page explanation of the language use and how it relates to class (your write-up should contain far more analysis and connection to class than synopsis) and turn it in to me before finals week begins.

There is another chance for extra credit! Submit your letters to the editor to The Arbiter and bring me the edition of the paper that contains your letter. You will receive credit for one informal writing assignment.

PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE TO THE SYLLABUS: Your syllabus currently says that there will be class on November 16 but not on November 14. Please switch those dates. There WILL be class on November 14 and there WILL NOT be class on November 16. Anything currently listed as homework due on November 16 is now due on November 14.

There is a second change to the syllabus!
101 - We will meet Nov. 7 instead of Nov. 5. Your portfolio is now due Nov. 5.
102 - Your portfolio is now due during your group conference.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Here's another two sided argument. Where do you stand and why?

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Holy fun games, Batman! Play around with this site and experiment with the games. We've talked about learning languages and using different aspects of language at different stages of life...Are these games helpful for their intended age group? Are they entertaining? How good do you think these sites would be for a child just learning English?

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

This post doesn't involve a link, but rather pictures from my Thanksgiving trip to Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico. Nogales is a border town that literally sits in both countries. My family and I parked in Arizona and walked across the border to Mexico.

I would like you to notice are these signs. We have talked about putting up signs in both languages and what that would be like...Well, this is what it's like. You can tell which signs are in America and which are in Mexico based on which language comes first.

Does this appear jarring or disturbing at all to you? Does it make a difference knowing that this is in a town on the border? And that there are bilingual signs on both sides of the border?

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Many of you either say things like "That's gay" or know people who do. Well, as sketchy as Wikipedia is, this little clip says it better than I can - and this is one part of Wikipedia that isn't fabricated out of nowhere.

Monday, December 04, 2006

We've discussed "soccermom" and "bling" being added to the dictionary, but "google" and "spyware"? Are the dictionary acquisition folks going too far? Or are they just keeping up with the times?

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Remember the hit classic TV show Seinfeld? Well, Michael Richards, who played the quirky, off-the-wall neighbor Kramer, was in the news last week. After you read the article, make sure to watch the video - it's toward the end on the left. There's a second video there too - Richards' post-oops statement.

What do you think? Racist? Or just anger? And if you think it was just anger, do you think it was justified? Explain.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

What is a conversation about gender and language without a mention of communication in marriage? After reading this article, what are your thoughts on the subject? I'm leaving this forum quite open, because it's an interesting topic that I bet will generate plenty of conversation on its own.