The Politics of Insult
Examine how linguistic practices of (im)politeness and verbal aggression shape--and are shaped by--social hierarchies, cultural contexts, and political dynamics across different contexts, from liberal to anti-liberal. Analyze how seemingly neutral concepts of "civility" and appropriate speech" often mask power relations while exploring how taboo language, conflict talk, and transgressive communication can both challenge and reinforce existing social orders. Only one of the following may be counted: Anthropology 321P, Linguistics 350G, Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 345 (Topic 19). Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Prerequisites & course information
Examine how linguistic practices of (im)politeness and verbal aggression shape--and are shaped by--social hierarchies, cultural contexts, and political dynamics across different contexts, from liberal to anti-liberal. Analyze how seemingly neutral concepts of "civility" and appropriate speech" often mask power relations while exploring how taboo language, conflict talk, and transgressive communication can both challenge and reinforce existing social orders. Only one of the following may be counted: Anthropology 321P, Linguistics 350G, Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 345 (Topic 19). Three lecture hours a week for one semester.
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027