Homeworks

Homework 1:  Appointment with  instructor      (3:00, Friday, January 10)
Your first homework is to meet with me in my office for about 10 minutes during my office hours or, if you are unable to meet with me then, at some time for which you need to make an appointment.  This must be done no later than Friday, January 10.  This will give me an opportunity to learn about your particular interests as they relate to the class, so that I can take them into account to aid you in your participation in this class and your other studies.  It will give you an opportunity to know where my office is, should the need arise later in the quarter, and hopefully ease any fears about coming to see me.  It will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course, its requirements, and the linguistics program in general.

Homework 2:    American Tongues.        (Due January 27)
For this homework, you need to write a 1-1½ page discussion of some aspect of the variation you are shown in this video.  More detailed instructions will be given out the day of the viewing.

Homework 3:    Sexist language.        (Due February 10)
One of the earlier areas of focus in language and gender was that of sexist language.  The subject is still one of great interest to linguists, and there is a wealth of literature available, at all levels.  For this homework, you will need to find an article and write a 1-1½ page reasoned reaction to the article, based on what you have learned in this course so far.  You may choose one of the articles which will be on reserve in the library, or one of your discovery.  Please give me a copy of any article not on reserve no later than February 3rd for approval.

Homework 4:  Language, gender, and the media.  (Due February 17)
This is an assignment to start considering immediately.  Language and gender does not exist in the relative vacuum of the classroom.  As the quarter progresses, you need to be aware of media/public treatment of the issues we will be covering.  The assignment is to select some event/article as material, either in print, on TV or the radio, or in a public forum, and write a short 1-1½ page response to it.  Materials and your response should be turned in together.  Print materials should be copied, TV and radio shows should be taped, and public events materials should include any handouts and/or programs.

Homework 5:  Presentation of an assigned reading.  (Due the day of the reading)
These will begin in Week 3.  In essence, this will be a more in-depth version of the summaries you will have been doing, with an analysis of what the main points are, what the article’s strengths and weaknesses are, and how it fits into your experience of the previous work in language and gender.  Your presentation should be accompanied by a handout, and should last approximately 20 minutes.  A sign-up sheet will be posted outside my office (Oxley 218), and slots are available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Think about that warm glow of relief from an early job well done.  Articles which are available for presentation are marked in the Class Schedule with the symbol (►).  Note also that there are no articles available during the last two weeks of the quarter, since project presentations will be of primary importance during those weeks.