Speaking Your Language (FYS)
PSYC 126F
Fall 2026
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01
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How do(es) the language(s) we speak shape our perception of the world? How is our perception of others shaped by their language, accent, or dialect? This course will investigate these questions through psychological research as well as a variety of other sources. We will learn about different theories of language acquisition, myths surrounding bilingualism as well as linguistic relativity. The second half of the course will focus on accents, accented speech, and accent bias. Throughout the course students will be challenged to consider their own linguistic backgrounds and examine how it shaped their experiences growing up. As a first-year seminar, this course will give students the necessary skills to become critical consumers of both empirical and non-empirical sources as well as to articulate their opinions in both spoken and written forms. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM PSYC |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Psychology) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 | | Special Attributes: FYS |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Katherine Kinzler: How You Say It: Why You Talk the Way You Do-And What It Says About You. ISBN# 0544986555
Daniel Everett: Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle. ISBN# 0307386120
Maryellen MacDonald: More than Words. ISBN# 9780593545270
Additional sources such as peer-reviewed articles, popular news articles and TedTalks will be provided on Moodle
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Examinations and Assignments:
Students will be assessed on their written reflections and final essay, as well as an in-class presentations, and their ability to lead and participate in discussions.
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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| Instructor(s): Kertesz,Ajna F. Times: ..T.R.. 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: 15 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: X | JR non-major: X | SO: X | FR: 15 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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