English 100: English Language Analysis

English 100: English Language Analysis (Spring 2025–M, W, F, 10:10 am -11:00 am; Thomas Bldg. 218)

In English 100, we will examine the structure of English via its sounds, words, and syntax using traditional, structural, and modern linguistic approaches. We will do so by looking at the language from a sociolinguistic perspective–that is, how the language is used to communicate social, as well as linguistic, meaning. We will start with an introduction to the study of the linguistic structure of English, and then move into a discussion of geographical and social dialects of American English, with a specific focus on linguistic diversity in Central Pennsylvania. Other topics discussed will include language attitudes and ideologies towards different dialects of English, language variation and change within American English, language contact between English and other languages, and the historical development of American English.

Projects in the class will include analysis essays that will involve looking at dialect data obtained from speakers of local dialects of English in Central PA and a debate where students look critically at issues such as the pros and cons of English as the Official Language of the US. Readings will come from the excellent text on language and dialect variation in American English entitled Language and Linguistic Diversity in the US by Susan Tomasi and Lamont Antieau.


This class fulfills the Bachelor of Arts: Humanities requirement.