Intro to Sociolinguistics
Introduction to Sociolinguistics In this course, we will explore the ways that language creates and reflects social identities. We will look at the contextual factors-social, cultural, geographical, political, etc.-that impact language use and variation. Themes for this course will include linguistic variation, language and identity, language policy, and language in the media. We will consider questions such as: What distinguishes a language from a dialect? How and why do some language varieties become privileged? How do notions of politeness and respect vary across linguistic contexts? In essence, we will learn how language shapes our world, and how we shape language itself.
Introduction to Sociolinguistics In this course, we will explore the ways that language creates and reflects social identities. We will look at the contextual factors-social, cultural, geographical, political, etc.-that impact language use and variation. Themes for this course will include linguistic variation, language and identity, language policy, and language in the media. We will consider questions such as: What distinguishes a language from a dialect? How and why do some language varieties become privileged? How do notions of politeness and respect vary across linguistic contexts? …Read more
This is a wonderful introductory course to linguistics. We covered a wide range of topics including language variation, multilingualism, and how language relates to gender and power. Classes are very discussion-focused. We had 3 projects (group work presentation + scrapbook entries due in phases + personal project) and 1 quiz that allowed a cheat sheet. Prof. Shapiro is a very enthusiastic instructor and caring towards students, handing out printed notes at the start of class that cover the main points in her lectures and often sharing treats. Classes start with practicing mindfulness so that everyone can be more relaxed and focused.
This is a wonderful introductory course to linguistics. We covered a wide range of topics including language variation, multilingualism, and how language relates to gender and power. Classes are very discussion-focused. We had 3 projects (group work presentation + scrapbook entries due in phases + personal project) and 1 quiz that al …Read more
Professor Shapiro does a great job balancing course content, which I find difficult to come by in an intro-level course. She slowly builds on fundamental concepts and reinforces them throughout the year, instead of cramming information. Scrapbook activities allow you to reflect on aspects of sociolinguistics found in your own life that you might've not noticed before. Professor Shapiro cares about her students as she starts every class with a brief meditation session and brings snacks on rainy days.
Professor Shapiro does a great job balancing course content, which I find difficult to come by in an intro-level course. She slowly builds on fundamental concepts and reinforces them throughout the year, instead of cramming information. Scrapbook activities allow you to reflect on aspects of sociolinguistics found in your own life th …Read more
Shawna was very high energy and her enthusiasm for sociolinguistics was contagious. She was great at facilitating discussions – the class rarely felt like a lecture, but rather a conversation between professor and students. The readings were interesting and the final research project can be geared toward your own personal interests.
Amazing professor. Very understanding and kind, you could also tell she was very passionate about the material she was teaching. It helps students understand how language impacts our society. Super interesting, would highly recommend.
I very much enjoyed this class. Professor Shapiro is extremely passionate about the material and encourages students to connect course material to their personal lives. This is definitely not a very difficult class, but I felt the material was still useful and interesting.
The course was super chill. There are readings assigned but you'll do fine without doing the readings. The quizzes are also easy and barely needs any preparation as long as you are attentive in class.
Shawna Shapiro was a very enthusiastic teacher. Most of the class was discussion/lecture based. We often broke up into small groups. We had two big projects and one on-going journal due throughout the semester. There was also two quizzes on vocab.
Shawna is a fantastic teacher, and this class is no exception. It is a great intro to sociolinguistics with a good balance of learning basic terms/concepts and applying those in your own projects. Not too much reading, and exams are very straightforward. Also a plus that there are no textbooks required.
Professor Shapiro is such an amazing and passionate teacher, she puts all her energy into this course. The course is very interesting with concepts that connect to everyday activities. The class never felt heavy, but you do have to put in the work to get a good grade, but Shapiro is always there to help you out.
This course was very interesting in terms of the material, and Professor Shapiro delivered the content in a very entertaining and enthusiastic way. A bulk of the learning is done through discussions based on reading that is assigned for homework. The average length of a reading is around 20 pages. The content is very interesting and gives a new insight into how we use language, and I found myself connecting my everyday life to many concepts that were introduced in class. There are big three projects in class, but they are not overly difficult, and there is a lot of support available from the professor. There is a good amount of small group discussion, as well as two opportunities for group/ partner projects. The readings can get a bit tedious at times because of their length, but this is coming from someone who despises reading. Professor Shapiro is openly caring of her students and takes the time to check in and adapt to her students' needs (including bringing treats!).
This course was very interesting in terms of the material, and Professor Shapiro delivered the content in a very entertaining and enthusiastic way. A bulk of the learning is done through discussions based on reading that is assigned for homework. The average length of a reading is around 20 pages. The content is very interesting and …Read more
This class was not only extremely interesting, but also very low in difficulty. The material covered in class was interesting and very applicable to everyday life, which I feel made the readings very easy to get through. A lot of the subjects covered are pretty self-explanatory, and it's mostly learning new vocab. Prof. Shapiro does a very good job at approaching possibly polarizing topics from a neutral standpoint and explaining the differing views/reasons for the different opinions on the topic. There is also no textbook for the course, and instead readings consists of various articles, book chapters, and TED Talks, and readings are rarely more than 60 pages per week. Prof. Shapiro is also very open to feedback from the class, and is unafraid of dropping certain readings or assignments if she feels it will benefit the class as a whole. There was an in-class quiz earlier in the semester that required written short answer responses, but we were allowed to make a cheat sheet to use during the quiz, and also spent the class before going over a review guide together. There is also one group presentation project that was, overall, very simple, and there is a final research project/paper that certainly requires some hard work, but Prof. Shapiro is readily available to help with. All in all, this was a very light, stress-free class, and Prof. Shapiro's care for her students is evident. I would highly recommend this class to both those interested in linguistics and those just looking for a class to fill their schedules.
This class was not only extremely interesting, but also very low in difficulty. The material covered in class was interesting and very applicable to everyday life, which I feel made the readings very easy to get through. A lot of the subjects covered are pretty self-explanatory, and it's mostly learning new vocab. Prof. Shapiro does …Read more
Professor Shawna Shapiro is awesome! Her sociolinguistics class is a blast because she makes learning fun with games. Even if you're shy, her group activities ensure everyone can share and learn from each other. Plus, she's super accommodating and always there when you need her. Highly recommend!
Great teacher who really tries to build relationships with students. Interesting content that feels relevant to day-to-day life. Longer readings. Lots of flexibility with deadlines. Started every class with mindfulness. Lots of freedom for projects. Highly recommend!
Shawna is so kind and caring. She ensures that everyone understands the content she teaches and will make changes to the entire course to accommodate the general student need. She makes her lectures easy to digest, though she does talk really fast! It's actually p impressive
Shawna is an amazing and pedagogically creative teacher. This class was super easy, light on readings, and I genuinely enjoyed the projects and papers. This class was never a source of stress and always something I looked forward too. She also brings in candy/other treats to class on a fairly regular basis so... Maybe not the most intellectually stimulating class I've ever taken but certainly one I would take again.
Shawna is an amazing and pedagogically creative teacher. This class was super easy, light on readings, and I genuinely enjoyed the projects and papers. This class was never a source of stress and always something I looked forward too. She also brings in candy/other treats to class on a fairly regular basis so... Maybe not the most in …Read more
I took this class for the minor and really enjoyed it since it was at a super relaxed pace but the topics were really interesting! Homework is mostly just readings, and our two quizzes were open note.
This course was very interesting and required very little effort. The readings were light and they were easy to understand and were also quite intriguing. Shawna was super understanding and seemed very enthusiastic about the subject matter.