Background Knowledge and Goals

Read the course syllabus, module content, and course readings for this module first! I suggest referring back to any notes you took while reading or viewing the content.

Your written response should be between 500-1000 words. Refer back to specific ideas from the course module readings and content.

Directions

Respond to the following written prompt. It is in two parts. Your response can be single or double-spaced. Please use size 10-12 font and standard margins. The total length (including both parts) should be between 500-1000 words. Your introduction should be very brief. Jump into the main ideas you want to share. Read the rubric first before you write. Do not include any AI-generated content! Proofread it before submitting it. It is fine to use Grammarly or another AI-editing/revising tool and/or the built-in editing features in Word and/or Google (whichever you use to compose). Your post must be your own original thinking! I recommend referring back to the notes you took while reading the Canvas content and the chapters you read. Jump into your response. Do not directly quote content from the materials. Your work should largely reflect your own experiences and goals!

For Homework 1a, reflect on your existing background knowledge and your goals for the course. Revisit the course syllabus, course description, and overview video.

Part 1: Your Background Knowledge Take a moment to consider your familiarity with the topics covered in this course. Reflect on any prior experiences, courses, or personal interests connected to aspects of linguistics, social dynamics, or language-based discrimination. What do you already know about language variations, societal power structures, and discrimination based on language? Are there specific language-related concepts or theories you’re already familiar with?

Part 2: Your Learning Goals for this course State your goals for engaging with and learning from the course topics and material. Your goals could tie to deepening your comprehension of the relationship between language and power or gaining insights into the educational, structural, historic, and/or cultural mechanisms that can perpetuate linguistic discrimination. Whether your goals are toward personal growth, professional development, or broadening your understanding of sociolinguistic issues, identify your learning goals for the course (beyond your letter grade!).