Culture, Language, and the Education of Black Students

3 units

This course examines the communicative patterns of what is called variously African-American language, Pan-African linguistic systems, and Ebonics within the context of public school policy and practice. In addition to a review of the structural and pragmatic aspects of Black speech, the course highlights relationships between controversies within the linguistic community, contrasting views of speech within Black lay communities, public discourse, and educational policy. Students will also conduct a field-based research project in accord with their particular interests.