English 217GE - Topics in English: 'Understanding Accent'

In this course we will study accented language using perspectives from literary studies, linguistics, legal studies, and education. We will consider whether accent is produced by a speaker or signer, or if we create accents when we perceive others' language. We will look at how accent works in written language, and try to account for the impact of language-generating AI on our concept of accent. Authors and artists may include Xiaolu Guo, Harmony Becker, and Elaine Castillo. This course also focuses on developing students' writing skills, and our approach may be particularly effective for students who do not identify as native speakers of English.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors