MAAL6034 Gender and language
COURSE TEACHER:
Dr. Sherman Lee
Email: sleehku@hku.hk
Overview
This course explores the relationship between gender and language from a range of perspectives, examining how gender both shapes and is shaped by language use. It considers how language in everyday spoken, written and multimodal discourse encodes gender categories and reflects broader beliefs about gender roles and identities.
Aims
This course aims to introduce students to major theoretical concepts and methodological approaches for studying how gender and language intersect. It critically examines theories that account for gender-related variation in language use and covers topics such as: gender as a sociolinguistic variable in speech and interaction; the embedding of gender in the language system; the role of language in shaping gender identities; and the ways in which everyday discourse both legitimises and contests gender ideologies.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the complex relationship between gender and language, and a familiarity with key theories, concepts and debates in the field of gender and language studies
- Identify and describe the linguistic features, patterns and practices that reflect and construct gender in authentic spoken, written and visual discourses
- Apply relevant analytical methods and theoretical frameworks to critically examine the connections between gender and language use in those authentic texts or interactions, and their implications
Assessment
Students will complete a 2,500-word paper (+/- 10%) critically examining the connections between gender and language use in authentic written, spoken or multimodal discourse. The analysis should draw on concepts and approaches covered in the course. Further details will be provided at the start of the module.
GenAI Policy
Responsible and transparently documented use of GenAI is permitted for brainstorming and language editing. It is not permitted for generating analysis or writing any sections of the paper. Students are encouraged to use AI as a thought partner; however, the final submission must demonstrably represent the student’s own intellectual work. A complete GenAI Use Declaration is required where GenAI has been used.
Kry References
- Eckert, P., & McConnell-Ginet, S. (2013). Language and gender (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
- Litosseliti, L. (2006). Gender and language: Theory and practice. Hodder Arnold.
- Sunderland, J. (2006). Language and gender: An advanced resource book. Routledge.
- Talbot, M. (2019). Language and gender (3rd ed.). Polity Press.
Schedule (Semester 1)
| Session | Topic |
| 1 | Gender in language studies: concepts and approaches |
| 2 | Gender in the language system |
| 3 | Gender in the language (cont.) and methodological approaches |
| 4 | Gender and talk / interaction / speech styles |
| 5 | Gender and language in media, advertising and other genres |
| 6 | Gender and language in the classroom / workplace discourse |