ANTH 388: Language and Culture

Course Description

A study of language in culture and society, exploring topics such as social meaning in language, gender and language, and the use of language in identity and power relations in media and marketing.

Prerequisites

• Third-year standing

Course Objectives

• Examine the relationship between language and culture
• Compare and contrast language use
• Analyze the impact of government policy and language
• Recognize that language, like culture, is constantly evolving, including the meaning of words

Required Text

• Jain, Lochlann. 2019. Things That Art: A Graphic Menagerie of Enchanting Curiosity. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. (eBook)

Additional Readings

• Brown et al 2020, 56-57 and Ch4, Language
• Jain, "Introduction," and "Various Things"
• Jain, "Which Things Mean When"
• Barton 2020
• Gikino'amaagewinini 2017
• CBC Ideas 2020
• Lim 2017
• Weir 2017
• Gross 2021

Course Schedule

• Jan 14: Introduction: Ask Me Anything (AMA)
• Jan 21: Language in Context
• Jan 28: What's in a Name?
• Feb 4: Naming as Identity
• Feb 11: Language Weaponized
• Feb 25: Bias
• Mar 4: Words have History
• Mar 11: Words Matter
• Mar 18: Language of Food
• Mar 25: Literally and Figuratively
• Apr 1: Take-home EXAM
• Apr 8: Student Presentations
• Apr 15: Student Presentations

Assessment

• Participation: 20%
• Opinion piece: 5%
• Name story: 15%
• Newspaper analysis: 20%
• Restaurant project: 20%
• Exam: 20%

Grading Scale

• 90-100: A+
• 85-89: A
• 80-84: A-
• 76-79: B+
• 72-75: B
• 68-71: B-
• 64-67: C+
• 60-63: C
• 55-59: C-
• 50-54: D
• <49: F

Academic Support and Accommodation

• For academic support and accommodation, please notify the instructor as soon as possible.
• Counselling is available through Student Affairs.
• The Early Alert System (EAS) is a campus-wide program to connect students with resources that may help their success.

Withdrawal Policy

• Withdrawing from any course MUST be done formally, by applying at the Registration Centre.

Vancouver Island University

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Overview:

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, health, science, technology, and trades. VIU is known for its commitment to student success, providing a supportive learning environment and a variety of services to help students thrive.

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Services Offered:

VIU offers a comprehensive range of services to support students, including:

Academic Advising:

Personalized guidance on program selection, course planning, and academic progress.

Financial Aid and Awards:

Scholarships, bursaries, loans, and other financial assistance options.

Career Services:

Career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Library:

Extensive collection of books, journals, databases, and online resources.

Health and Wellness Services:

Counseling, health promotion, and fitness programs.

Student Housing:

On-campus residence options for students seeking a convenient and supportive living environment.

Campus Recreation:

Opportunities for physical activity, sports, and recreational activities.

Campus Store:

Supplies, textbooks, and VIU merchandise.

Food Services:

Dining options on campus, including cafes, restaurants, and vending machines.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

VIU fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community, offering students a variety of opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, connect with peers, and develop their personal and professional skills. Students can participate in:

Student Clubs and Organizations:

A wide range of clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests.

Campus Events:

Social gatherings, workshops, performances, and guest speaker events.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Opportunities to give back to the community and gain valuable experience.

Athletics:

Participation in varsity sports and recreational leagues.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Location:

Situated on beautiful Vancouver Island, offering access to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Small Class Sizes:

Personalized attention from faculty and a more intimate learning environment.

Supportive Community:

A welcoming and inclusive campus community that fosters a sense of belonging.

Practical Experience:

Emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world applications.

Career-Focused Programs:

Programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

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Academic Programs:

VIU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:

Bachelor's Degrees:

In various disciplines, including arts, business, education, health, science, and technology.

Master's Degrees:

In areas such as business administration, education, and geographic information systems.

Diplomas and Certificates:

In a wide range of fields, including trades, technology, and professional development.

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Other:

VIU has three campuses located in Nanaimo, Cowichan, and Powell River, providing students with a variety of campus environments to choose from. The university also has a strong commitment to Indigenous education and offers a variety of programs and services specifically designed for Indigenous students.