LING-343 Women, Men, and Language

J. Sclafani

Course Goals & Description

This course will help you develop connections between gender and language use and to treat them both as objects of study. We will review the major theoretical approaches to language and gender and examine how each can shed light on cases of gendered linguistic practice. You will develop the ability to thoughtfully evaluate research in the field from the perspective of both the linguist and the gender theorist, at times reconciling tension or bridging gaps between the two. Assignments will emphasize your ability to link theoretical points arising from readings and class discussions to linguistic patterns you observe in the real world.

Texts & Readings

Eckert, Penelope and Sally McConnell-Ginet. 2003. Language and Gender. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Tannen, Deborah. 2001 [1990]. You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. New York: Quill.

Additional required reading: articles on electronic reserve


Assignments & Expectations of Students

Students will be expected to write two short papers, one synthesizing readings and class discussions on a topic of their choice, and another analyzing data and situating patterns observed in the data in the context of the language and gender literature. Students will also carry out a research project in groups of 3 or 4. The project will submitted in three stages: proposal, group oral presentation, and individually written paper.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Course syllabi
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Fall '07: Podesva R (description, file download)

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Other academic years
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• 2004-2005 Fall and Spring
• 2006-2007 Fall and Spring
• 2008-2009 Fall and Spring
• 2009-2010 Fall and Spring
• 2010-2011 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

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