Purdue University College of Liberal Arts
Information for
English as a Second Languge
Course syllabi for English 565
Sociolinguistics - An Introduction
General Information
Instructor Margie Berns
Office Heavilon 207A
Office Hours 3:00 - 4:00 TTh and by appointment
Office Phone 49-43769
E-mail berns@purdue.edu
This is a motivational course designed to provide an understanding of language with respect to its various uses and users across diverse social and cultural contexts. Readings and class discussions will provide familiarity with basic theoretical issues and illustrate how these issues to everyday social interaction through language.
Required Texts
Mesthrie, Rajend and Swann, Joan, et al. 2000. Introducing Sociolinguistics. John Benjamins.
Spolsky, Bernard. 1998. Sociolinguistics. Oxford University Press.
Both books are available at Von's Bookstore, State Street, in the Village.
Recommended References
Asher, R.E., ed. 1994. The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Mesthrie, Rajend, ed. 2001. Concise Encyclopedia of Sociolinguistics. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Spolsky, B., ed. 1999. Concise Encyclopedia of Educational Linguistics. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Byram, M., ed. 2000. Routledge Encyclopedia of Language Teaching and Learning. New York: Routledge.
Other Assignments
Annotated bibliography and presentation (50%)
Journals (30%)
Class participation (20%)
Deadlines
Due dates for written assignments are firm. Late work is not normally accepted.
Grading
A = 90 - 100 B = 80 - 89 C = 70 - 79 D = 60 - 69 Failure 59 - 0