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Catalog Description Advisory: Completion of ENGL C1000 with grade of "C" or better Hours: 54 lecture Description: Introduction to the core concepts and approaches of linguistic anthropology and the study of language in culture and society. Examine the many ways people communicate, linguistic acquisition and socialization, how languages work and change. Provide an overview of the methods and analytical techniques of linguistic anthropologists, the structure of language, language variation, sociolinguistics, nonverbal communication and literacy. Explore the influence of language on our world view, critical thinking, and social interaction, how language is used to create and reinforce relationships of power (race, class, gender), multilingualism, and the impact of language endangerment and revitalization are examined in contemporary language use. (C-ID ANTH 130) (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Examine the importance of linguistic anthropology approaches within cultural anthropology, archaeology, and physical anthropology. CSLO #2: Describe the various linguistic anthropological approaches used to examine the ways that language(s) work, as both a communicative and socially embedded cultural practice that also participates in constructing society and culture. CSLO #3: Explain and analyze the ways in which language(s) and linguistic landscape influence modes of thinking, identity, culture and other important aspects of our lived experiences. CSLO #4: Use specific examples to explain and evaluate language change as well as interlinguistic interactions at local and global scales. Effective Term Fall 2026 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Introduction to the 4-fields of anthropology and compare linguistic anthropology to the other subfields as well as non-anthropological approaches to the study of language. Discuss the basic properties of language and describe the different subfields (e.g. descriptive linguistics, historical linguistics, sociolinguistics) as well as the various paradigms used to investigate them; phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, multimodality and multifunctionality)? Examine linguistic anthropological research, knowledge and issues pertaining to studying language(s) in use, within specific communities of practice, and the corresponding language ideologies. Explain, evaluate and apply the multiple methods linguistic anthropologists use to study language. Review linguistic anthropological approaches and current research related to language acquisition and socialization. Critically assess linguistic anthropological approaches and discuss cross cultural research on the relationship between language, thought and culture. Examine the role of language in creating and maintaining cultural practices, understandings, and social structures. Assess and apply linguistic anthropological approaches to the relationship between language, power and agency. Describe the role of language in intersecting identity domains with a particular focus upon sex, gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, race and ethnicity. Examine the complex interactions of languages in multilingual contexts by drawing on key linguistic anthropological concepts. Explain the importance and dynamic processes of language change. Identify the geo-political processes that have led to the increased rate of language death and assess the impact of language endangerment, language death and revitalization on individuals, communities, and globally. Describe and apply linguistic anthropological approaches to examining literacy practices, non-verbal communication and silent languages in a cross-cultural setting. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Behavioral Sciences AA/AS - Social and Behavioral Sciences CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSUGE - D1 Anthro/Archaeology Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) IGETC - 4A Anthro Archaeology Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: The instructor assigns an article, chapter, documentary, article or podcast for student scholars to read in preparation for an in-class reading discussion about the course concepts, topics, or case studies pertaining to the module. Student scholars bring reading notes about content highlights (ex. key ideas, stories, information, quotes, etc.) from the assigned course material as well as thoughts and questions to inform class conversations and discussion. The instructor helps student scholars form small groups and directs them to use their notes to begin the conversation about the assigned material and/or discussion prompts. Student scholars are then asked to collaboratively identify ways in which the assigned reading pertains to the main ideas and key concepts within the current learning unit. class session. Groups identify a spokesperson who will share out the highlights of their case study and thoughts about how it pertains to the class discussion questions. Each student will complete a written paragraph or activity organizer which addresses the key content, their own thoughts about how it connects with the current unit, as well as what they gained from collaborating with peers. Assignments will be evaluated based on the accuracy of content addressed as well as comprehension of course concepts within the current learning unit. Essay Examinations Example: Student scholars will reflect upon their unit learning, identify their most relevant area of learning, use assigned readings, lecture material and other learning resources to develop a deeper understanding, and then explain their key learning takeaway from the unit. Students scholars will then share their thoughts about possible real-world applications of their learning. Student scholars will draw upon empirical evidence as well as other anthropological case studies to support the importance and applicability of their learning. Objective Examinations Example: Student scholars will take scripted answer exams (ex. LMS quizzes) to assess basic comprehension of anthropological concepts, approaches and information within the course material. Evaluation will be assessed based upon accuracy of answers. Projects Example: Throughout the semester, student scholars will plan, conduct, and present their own cultural anthropological capstone projects (which will thus connect with most of the course objectives). Student scholars will demonstrate their understanding of basic anthropological approaches and methods within the design phase of their project. They will engage with anthropological methods to gather data and grow their understanding of their topics via a combination of primary (ex. participant-observation, interviews, etc.) and secondary sources (via the Sierra College Library online databases). Scholars will then apply course concepts to examine their research findings, compile their work into a final version (ex. paper, brief video, art project, podcast, presentation, etc.), and share with the class. Student scholars are encouraged to examine topics which will advance their personal, academic and/or professional interests. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: The professor lectures to explain ways that anthropologists define and approach the study of language in culture and society. The professor then directs student scholars to discuss in small groups the key points of an assigned case study which highlights the ways anthropologists examine how individuals utilize language to express and negotiate their complex shifting identities. Student scholars brainstorm questions which are addressed by the professor and topics for class discussion. Instructor then presents new examples. Student scholars are then directed to form new small groups and develop their own thoughts and questions about the examples by applying anthropological approaches to the analysis of how language is a resource and a medium for the creative expression and negotiation of identity, belonging or othering. Distance Learning During a week when an introduction to the multifunctionality of language is the focus, several learning avenues are provided. (1) Textbook pages and two contemporary articles will be assigned to read (2a) A written lecture provided and/or (2b) A full video lecture with the instructor presenting the material (3) A voice thread where students have the ability to respond to images and to one another's comments (4) a set of focused but exciting discussion topics. After reading and choosing their mode of instruction the students will engage in the conversation aspect with fellow students and the instructor. For example a discussion topic asking them to draw on information from both the article and their own experiences/knowledge base makes the topic more relevant. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Student scholars read the assigned pages from the textbook or lecture notes on the current topic (eg. multilingualism and globalization), pre-assess their knowledge (ex. LMS quiz) and come to the next class session prepared to ask questions and discuss the material. 2. Student scholars read an ethnographic article or book chapter pertaining to a key course topic (egs language and identity). They will take notes and answer a reflection question about the assigned reading in preparation for an in-class discussion activity. At the end, students submit their notes, reflection responses, and discussion takeaways for credit. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. After participating in an in-class discussion about the article facilitated by the professor, student scholars will write down their thoughts into a short essay or short answers wherein they discuss how the article relates to the key cultural anthropological topics and concepts they are currently studying. 2. After studying a specific theory, approach or concept, student scholars complete short essay assignments in which they apply what they’ve learned to a specific example from a list of choices including brief videos, current events or something from their own background or experiences. 3. Students learn about ethnographic methodologies, view an example, and then engage in their own ethnographic interviews somewhere on campus or in a comfortable community context. Students record fieldnotes to bring to class for discussion and collaborative analysis of the data. They then produce a brief report regarding the benefits, challenges, and relevance of their research experiences and findings. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Course Capstone Project—Throughout the semester, student scholars work on their own anthropology informed investigation into a cultural topic, issue or event of their own choosing. Student scholars collaborate with the professor and peers to develop relevant ideas and feasible methods. Student scholars then conduct library and/or first-hand data gathering and use approaches and concepts from the course to develop their own anthropological commentary. Final reports are shared with the professor and informally with peers in a variety of possible formats such as research papers, ethnographic videos, websites, original art projects, cultural skill demonstrations, etc. Required Materials Living Language: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology Author: Laura Ahern Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publication Date: 2021 Text Edition: 3rd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Language, Culture, and Society: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology Author: Salzmann, Zdeněk, James Stanlaw, and Nobuko Adachi. Publisher: Routledge Publication Date: 2025 Text Edition: 8th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: English with an Accent : Language, Ideology, and Discrimination in the United States. Author: Barrett, Rusty, Jennifer Cramer, and Kevin B McGowan. Publisher: Routledge Publication Date: 2023 Text Edition: 3rd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Research Methods in Linguistic Anthropology Author: Perrrino, Sabina M., and Sonya E. Pritzker Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication Date: 2022 Text Edition: Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: The Anthropology of Language : An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology. Author: Ottenheimer, Harriet, and Judith M. S Pine. Publisher: Cengage Publication Date: 2019 Text Edition: 4th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.