History of American English: Junior Colloquium
AMST 211
Fall 2023 not offered
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What is American English, and how did it get to be what it is? This course will begin with the general history and development of the English language, looking at central issues such as sound (e.g., the Great Vowel Shift, Grimms Sound Change laws), sense (e.g., grammar, vocabulary, usage), and standardization (e.g., orthography, dictionaries). What makes our particular kind of English "American"? We will learn about the role of different groups in its development: Native Americans, African Americans, and immigrant languages of various kinds, including Yiddish and Spanish. In addition, we will analyze the workings of class, youth culture, and gender. Throughout, the class will examine questions at the heart of our language debates: a "national language," "Ebonics," and bilingual education. If English is today the international "lingua franca," is American English particularly the language of power? What are the different kinds of power exerted by, for instance, business English and slang? |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS AMST |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Major readings: TBD
Subject to modification; please consult with Wesleyan/R.J. Julia Bookstore for final list.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Examinations and assignments: 2 short essays, in-class midterm, final exam, in-class presentation |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Additional requirements and/or comments: in-class presentation |
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