ANTH& 207 - Linguistic Anthropology

Credits: 5
Introduces the sub-discipline of linguistics within the larger discipline of anthropology. Covers methods and theories in the study of language in anthropology including the structure of language; language through history; a comparison between human and non-human communication; the innate human capacity for language; the relationship between language, thought, and culture; and the study of language, power, and identity. Course emphasizes cross-cultural perspective.

Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101; or instructor’s permission.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Gain a sense of the different areas of focus in the study of language in anthropology.
Explain the structure of language and the various levels of analysis of linguistic structure.
Explain what historical linguistics is.
Identify the major language families of the world.
Comprehend both the similarities and differences between human and non-human modes of communication.
Explain the arguments and evidence given for the innate human capacity for language.
Discuss the connections between cognition and language.
Discuss the relationship between language and culture.
Explain how language can be used in social settings to convey power and identity.

Program Outcomes

Define the anthropological concept of cultural relativism.
Identify the holistic perspective.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.