Approaches to the study of language and gender
The course centers on current and earlier approaches to the scientific study of language and gender, with a focus on contrasting and critically evaluating theoretical and methodological perspectives. A central focus is how gender is reflected in and constructed through language use, and how different theoretical underpinnings of the scientific study of language and gender impacts current knowledge in this interdisciplinary area. The course also encompasses the critical examination of methods of analysis for written and spoken language data.
Course goals
Upon completion of the course, doctoral students should be able to
- demonstrate an understanding of principal theories and concepts in the field of language and gender
- independently analyze and evaluate theories and scientific debates in the field,
- critically assess the various notions of gender put forth by the different approaches to language and gender and account for different explanatory models for gender-based differences in language use, and
- apply at least one approach covered in the course to an independent analysis of verbal or written language data, and
- present a critical review of selected scientific articles published in the field.
Prerequisites
Admission to a doctoral program in the humanities or social sciences.
Examination
Assessment takes the form of an oral presentation and an individual written hand-in assignment.