This course examines Spanish in the United States from a sociolinguistic perspective, including linguistic, historic, demographic, social, educational and political issues. We will explore the formal linguistic structures of Spanish in the U.S. and everyday social lives of Spanish speakers. Topics will include: regional differences, bilingualism, codeswitching, language ideologies, Spanish as a heritage language, Spanish in politics and the media (e.g. TV, movies, music), Spanish in various social institutions (e.g. medical or labor contexts), bilingual education, and language and identity. Special focus will be given to Spanish in Massachusetts and the Northeast region of the US. We will have two class meetings with a group from Holyoke Community College, which will take place at Holyoke Media. Readings will be in Spanish or English, while class lectures will be in English. (Gen. Ed. SB, DU)
- Teacher: Meghan Armstrong-Abrami