Political Science 394LI - The Language of Politics

Fall
2017
01
4.00
Frederic Schaffer
TU TH 1:00PM 2:15PM
UMass Amherst
39445
This course examines the multiple roles that language plays in politics. Among the topics it covers: Orwellian doublespeak, Black English, hate speech, truthfulness in politics, gender neutral pronouns, partisan word labs, the linguistic construction of the "war on terror," folk tales as a form of political resistance, and familial metaphors in American political discourse. More abstractly, this course is organized around three broad themes: the place of language in political action, language as a political resource and the language of politics in America. Satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-PolSci majors.
Open to Seniors, Juniors & Sophomores only.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.