Ilana Gershon

How is it possible that certain strings of sounds, uttered in just the right social context, have the power to offend, hurt feelings, ruin careers, be considered crimes, and even spark wars? This course provides a broad introduction to the field of linguistic and legal anthropology, its key concepts, and its methods through an exploration of “bad language” and semiotic crimes. We investigate a range of speech types—curses, oaths, insults, gossip, argument, taboo words, obscenities, blasphemy, slang—and the essential roles they play in our lives. At the same time, we develop a cross-cultural perspective by comparing our own notions of what counts as bad language with ways of speaking that others cultural groups consider rude, vulgar, and even dangerous. We will also explore how different societies set standards for pronunciation, word choice, spelling, speaking and writing, how those standards are enforced, and how/why they sometimes get contested or resisted. Under this heading we consider such issues as plagiarism, libel, hate speech, intellectual property and, in general, the policing of language and signs.

Directed reading and preparation of written papers on anthropological subjects not offered in the curriculum and advanced study of subjects on which courses are offered. Repeatable for Credit.

A two-semester sequence of independent research culminating in the preparation and defense of an honors thesis. Open only to candidates formally accepted into the honors program.

This course is an independent study course organized between the faculty member and student, on a topic developed by them. Repeatable for Credit.

This seminar course combines an introduction to classic and contemporary social theory with an overview of the evolving research foci of anthropology today and with detailed discussion of the process of anthropological professionalization. The course is designed for graduate students in anthropology but is open to others with advance permission. Repeatable for Credit.

Repeatable for Credit.