SEMINAR(CRITICAL APPLIED LINGUISTICS) 1

概要

Most often, language is used in ways that we assume to be “neutral”. Language is understood only as a tool to convey meaning for communication purpose, and nothing more. However, language carries far more weight than being a communicative instrument: it positions people in a social sphere, it shapes our cognition, and it determines our social structure. In traditional applied linguistics, we refer to “native speakers (NS)”, “Non-native speakers (NNS)”, “first language (L1)”, “second language (L2)”, as if these terminologies are unproblematic, neutral, clear-cut, obvious entities. However, in critical applied linguistics (CAL), we begin by questioning these assumptions. This seminar course introduces the notion of being critical in the domain of applied linguistics. Some questions we will be addressing are as follows: • How do we understand relations between language and power? • How can people resist power in and through language? • How do we understand questions of difference in relation to discourse? • What different versions of change we would want to advocate? • Do we need to change society first in order to change language? • Is the issue one of giving people access to powerful forms of language? • Can we change the way language is used in order to change how power is reproduced? The course will be largely discussion-based. For this reason, your active class participation is indispensable. In the subsequent course, “Critical Applied Linguistics II,” students will be encouraged to apply the concepts learned in the first part of the course in real-life contexts. Lectures and discussions will be entirely conducted in English, and students are to do their presentation and write their papers in English as well. For the final paper, you will be expected to trace the changes in your perception with respect to applied linguistics as well as the world in general.

目標

In this course, students will: - come to appreciate applied linguistics from critical perspectives. - become familiar with various philosophical and theoretical notions including liberalism, modernism and postmodernism. - be able to heighten critical awareness with which they will engage in active discussions in English. - be able to cultivate English reading, speaking and writing skills.

授業外の学習

Students are expected to do textbook reading (approx. four to seven pages per week) at home prior to coming to class. Topic presentation may take place during the summer seminar retreat. During the course, students will be assigned to provide two relevant discussion questions that address the week's assigned reading and the Japanese context. Those taking the course for the second time will be required to do an additional reading and presentation.

所要時間: 190 minutes