505 Language and the Black Experience U G 5
Prereq: Preq Eng 110, 110.01, 110.02, or 110.03
The main focus of this course will be the varieties of English used by African-Americans in the United States, and the general relationship between language and socio-cultural organization in the African-American community. This course is designed to introduce students to the structure, history, and use of the distinctive varieties of English used by and among many African Americans in the u.s. We will examine some of the linguistic features that distinguish African-American English (aae) from other varieties of American English. We will consider theories regarding the history and emergence of aae. We will look at the representation of aae in literature, and its role in the genres and rules of speaking in the African-American speech community. And we will consider ideologies regarding the use of aae, especially as they relate to social opportunity and disadvantage in education and other areas of social life.
Offered 2007-2008:
Offered 2008-2009 (projected):
Last modified 2006-07-12
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