Objectives and competences
The objective of the course is for the students to gain the ability for a theoretical and critical examination of the language and gender interaction.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• General theories and approaches to the study of language and gender,
• construction of gender in linguistic structure (grammar and lexicon) in English,
• ways in which gender is expressed through discourse patterns,
• role of language in the construction of gender identities,
• linguistic sexism and gender equality in language use.
Learning and teaching methods
Lectures
Guided discussion
Guided analysis and interpretation of texts
Collection and analysis of data by students
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student will will gain the ability to:
• understand connections between language use and culturally/socially determined views of gender,
• recognize how gender is expressed in linguistic structure and through discourse patterns,
• recognize the role of language in the construction of gender categories and gender stereotypes,
• address the question of the language of men and women,
• recognize linguistic sexism and explore the possibilities of avoiding it in language use.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Ability to collect and explore linguistic data and to use theories in the formation of hypotheses
Ability to address problems associated with the construction of gender through language
Readings
Coates, J. (ed.) 1998: Language and Gender. A Reader. Oxford: Backwell
Lakoff, R. 1975: Language and Woman’s Place. New York: Harper & Row
Tannen, D. 1990: You just don’t understand. Men and Women in Conversation. New York: Ballantine Books
Mills, S. 2008. Language and Sexism. Cambridge University Press.
Talbot, M. 2010. Language and Gender. Polity Press
Prerequisits
Attendance of 80% and regular completion of coursework are required for taking the exam.
Additional information on implementation and assessment Type (examination, oral, coursework, project):
• Written exam - 70 %
• Coursework - 30 %
