English 118 - The Politics of Language

Holly Davis

MW 8:30-9:50

This course involves reading, thinking and writing about the forces that govern and shape language. A series of analytical essays will focus on issues such as names and naming, denotation and connotation, notions of obscenity, gender bias in language, political correctness, censorship and campus speech codes, and the events and circumstances that have elevated the English language to its current position as a global language.   Strong emphasis is placed on drafts and substantive revision, and the course includes a review of selected conventions of grammar, usage, style, and punctuation.