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Academic Year 2005/2006

Discourse and Legal Processes
ANTH 375 SP
Clusters:

Linguistics

This course is concerned with the role of language in legal processes. We begin by examining several approaches: the ethnography of law, sociolinguistic research on trials and disputes, and studies of law as ideology and representation. Through discourse analysis we will explore the power dynamics behind conflict resolution, especially as concerns gender, race, and class. Attention will be directed to language, conflict, and resolution processes on campus. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to learning methods of discourse analysis and using them to illuminate the dynamics of legal processes. Students will analyze data from court cases, media representations of law, and their ethnographic studies.

MAJOR READINGS

M. Foucalt, I, PIERRE RIVIERE HAVING SLAUGHTERED MY MOTHER, MY SISTER AND MY FATHER
M. Lazarus-Black and S. Hirsch, CONTESTED STATES: LAW, HEGEMONY AND RESISTANCE
S. Berk-Seligsen, THE BILINGUAL COURTROOM: COURT INTERPRETERS IN THE JUDICIAL PROCESS
P. Williams, THE ALCHEMY OF RACE AND RIGHTS: DIARY OF A LAW PROFESSOR
R. Wagner-Pacifici, DISCOURSE AND DESTRUCTION: THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA VERSUS MOVE
Conley and O'Barr, JUST WORDS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two short papers, a midterm examination, weekly responses, and a final research project.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students must have taken one previous social science course.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS ANTH    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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