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.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Making sure to provide both sides of the topic, here are some sites for people who support the idea of making English the official national language:
U.S. EnglishProEnglishNow take a look at this article on the
PBS website from linguist Betty Bimer. This article touches on a subject that has arisen multiple times in classroom discussions.
And finally, read
here for some good historical information on the topic.
Taking all this into consideration, I hope you're at least beginning to see the complexity of the issue - that it is not just black-and-white, "Why can't they just do
this?" For your response, I would like to hear your considerations about the complexity of the issue - or do you still see it as a simple problem with a simple solution? And, as always, justify your reasons.