COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course we investigate the interactional relationship between language and American society with a focus on New Media contexts. More specifically, we consider how language both shapes and is shaped by society in email, texting, Facebook, blogging, online gaming, YouTube, and more. Taking an interdisciplinary approach that draws from fields such an anthropology, linguistics, media & communication studies, psychology, and sociology, we turn our analytical and critical gaze to how social constructions (including race, gender, class, ideology, power, and youth) variably influence, are created by, and are realized in New Media genres. 

* This course can be used to fulfill the Second Writing Requirement

** This course fulfills the Social Science Requirement for the College.

*** This course fulfills requirements for the American Studies major and Linguistics major. It may also count towards the Media Studies major – please check with your major advisor.

COURSE GOALS

Upon completion of this course, you will have:    

• gained an understanding of the dynamic interaction of language, social identities, and New Media.

• critically analyzed our understanding  & ideologies of language & New Media as portrayed in areas such as the (New) media, popular culture, & everyday interactions.

• improved your academic writing & reading skills;

• improved a range of skills (analytical, communication, presentation, team work, academic research, technology/digital, etc.) via class activities and your final project;

• connected the knowledge & perspectives you learned in class to your own life & society.