Course description

The capacity to understand and use language is often cited as the unique mark of being human. Some theorists emphasize the power of language as a communicative medium. Others argue that it is central to the formation as well as the expression of thought, feeling, sociality, and imagination. Our inquiry begins by considering the experience of deafness. We then ask how acts of naming, narrative structuring, dialogic interchange, talking to oneself, and poetic forms such as metaphor, enter into meaning making through language. What are the origins and developmental paths of these phenomena? The sources of commonality and difference within and between cultures? Turning to the study of child language, we explore views on how language is learned, the role of language in thinking, conversation and social life, early stories and other narratives, the nature of gender differences, and language socialization within and across cultures. Theoretical writings by Bruner, Chomsky, Vygotsky, Werner and others will be supplemented by close reading of research studies and experiential accounts. Several times during the semester, students will gather observations (audio- or videotaped) of children or grown-ups that illustrate forms and uses of language; these will provide material for class discussion. Conference work may center on phenomena of language in childhood or adult life and will include fieldwork where appropriate. Intermediate/advanced. For juniors, seniors, and graduate students, preferably with some background in psychology, anthropology, sociology, or philosophy.

Course requirements

The seminar meets once a week, on Tuesday, 3:30 - 6:00 p.m., in Sheffield 01

CLASS READINGS will be in books in the Book Store, on Library Reserve, or in the Franklin 'basket' in Library Reserve.

Every week, each student will POST COMMENTS ON THE CLASS WEB FORUM. The postings must be put up by 8 p.m. the evening preceding class, so that we will have time to read them before class. Students are encouraged to respond to each others' postings.

TWO CLASS PAPERS will be assigned, one due mid-semester and another at the end of the semester.

In connection with CONFERENCE WORK, students may do FIELD WORK at the ECC or other setting. Conference meetings are 40 minutes, scheduled every other week. Students will post progress reports on their conference work mid-semester; ongoing conference projects will also be discussed in class. A final paper on the conference project is due at the end of the semester.