Course Syllabus

Fall 2024 | ANT-2020-VG01 - Language, Culture & Communication

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Emily Sandall
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Philip Crossman

General Education Requirements

VSCS Social Sciences
CCV Communication

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

An introduction to the study of linguistics and communication in cultures and societies worldwide. Topics include language origins, change, and acquisition; language structure and speech behavior; sociolinguistics; the relationship between language and thought; and analysis of conversation and meaning.

Essential Objectives

1. Identify the universal characteristics and functions of human language as understood within anthropological linguistics, differentiating this from other forms of human and non-human communication.
2. Describe the physiological and cultural origins of language and examine the role of symbolic communication in the development of human adaptation and culture.
3. Explore theories of language acquisition by children, considering these in cross-cultural contexts.
4. Define key elements of language structure utilized within descriptive linguistics, distinguishing between the formal rules of language and its application in speech behavior.
5. Identify global language families and provide examples of historical and ongoing language change and differentiation, and the primary factors that influence these.
6. Describe linguistic diversity regionally and locally, demonstrating how language use varies in differing social contexts with respect to gender, class, power, age, affinity groups, etc.
7. Examine the relationship between language, thought, and culture, and the interpretation of meaning in communicative acts both linguistic and non-linguistic and across cultures.
8. Apply understanding of sociolinguistics and communication skills gained in the course to prepare a formal presentation that demonstrates proficiency using the CCV Oral Communication Rubric.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

*** This is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Generative AI can be a useful tool for brainstorming sentence structures and paragraph frameworks, but I strongly advise against the use of AI for research or topic generation. None of the written assingments in this class are capable of being completed satisfactorily using only AI, so I don't suggest trying.

First offense: if I find an instance of plagiarism via generative AI or any other source, I will reach out to you; your assignment will receive an automatic zero with an option of resubmission.

Second offense: if after your first warning I find another instance of plagiarism, I will reach out to you; your assignment will receive an automatic zero with NO option of resubmission.

Methods

Each class will be divided between mini-lectures based on the week's readings, class and small-group discussion, and other in-class activities. Expect to spend most of class talking with me and your peers.

Outside of class, you will be expected to complete the readings listed for the next week's class and write a forum discussion post about your thoughts on those readings. Feel free to use these forums to ask questions about the readings as well -- I will be active and responding throughout the week. Make sure to respond to at least 2 of your classmates' posts per week in addition to making a post of your own.

Evaluation Criteria

This course uses a weighted categories system to calculate final grades.

In-Class Participation = 30%
Discussion Forum Responses = 30%
Midterm Project = 20%
Final Project = 20%

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

This class will include lecture, discussion, and group work. You are expected to actively participate in all 3 aspects of class by taking notes, asking questions, contributing your own thoughts multiple times per discussion, and engaging with group work inside and outside class. I will grade your participation holistically in each class and average your overall participation throughout the semester in order to arrive at your participation grade.

Missing & Late Work Policy

I expect readings to be completed and discussion forum posts submitted BEFORE the beginning of the class for which the readings are listed. Likewise, please submit midterm and final papers BEFORE the beginning of the class when they are due.

Late work policy: I understand that life can get hectic and sometimes school can't be the first priority. For this reason, I am willing to accept any and all late work ONLY IF you reach out to me via e-mail or Canvas BEFORE the due date to ask for an extension. Without prior notice, late assignments will receive a deduction of 5% (half a letter grade) per day late.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity