Note: this is the course description of 2018-2019. An updated version will follow as soon as possible.
Admission requirements
None.
Description
This course explores the role of language in constructing social identities in the Middle East. The course will introduce students to linguistic and cultural theory as they relate to the construction of various forms of identities, including rural and urban, gender, race and ethnicity (including minorities), socioeconomic class, and religious. Although the focus is on the Middle East, the topics covered – language politics and policy, models of sociolinguistic variation, language ideology, linguistic standardization, etc. – are applicable to any region.
Course objectives
Students will become familiar with:
1) The ways in which language behavior reflects the diverse cultural patterns of the Middle East.
2) The role of language in the formation of national identities
3) The relationship between economic class, race and ethnicity, gender, religion, urbanization, and linguistic choice
4) The specialized language of religion and politics
5) Processes of language revival and revitalization
Timetable
Timetable BA Midden-Oostenstudies
Timetable Pre-master Middle Eastern Studies
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Attendance is not obligatory for lectures. The conveners do not need to be informed in case of missed classes. Information and knowledge provided in the lectures greatly contribute to the subsequent courses of the programme. In order to pass the course, students are strongly advised to attend all sessions.
Course Load
Total 140 hrs
Lectures: 26 hrs
Studying compulsory literature: 82 hrs
Bookreview: 30 hrs
Exam: 2 hrs
Assessment method
Assessment and weighing
| Partial Assessment | Weighing |
|---|---|
| Homework | 10% |
| Book review | 30% |
| Final exam | 60% |
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average
Resit
There is only a resit for the final exam if the overall grade is lower than 5,5. The resit will count for 60% as well.
Exam review
If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will be organized.
Blackboard
Reading list
The literature will be announced on Blackboard.
Registration
Students are required to register through uSis
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Studeren à la carte nor Contractonderwijs is possible for this course.