Sociolinguistics in Spanish

Course Description
The course aims to introduce students to the study of the Spanish language in relation to the various groups of speakers and the social and cultural context in which various discursive practices take place, which are conveyed through different communication styles, which give rise to linguistic and sociopragmatic variation. In addition, students are expected to become familiar with macro-social phenomena and with the micro-level analysis of both face-to-face communication and interaction mediated by new technologies. This approach aims to provide students with the opportunity to achieve a better understanding of the interface between sociolinguistics and pragmatics, as well as the methods used in data collection and analysis as part of the study of language in the social context.
This course offers an insightful introduction to the study of the Spanish language in its social and cultural context. The course focuses on the relationship and the constant
interaction between society and language, discussing both traditional and recent issues
including: language variation, language and social class, language and gender,
language and age, language and context, language and identity, and language and new
average. The course seeks to familiarize students with the wider macro-social phenomena
and the micro-level analysis of both face-to-face and computer-mediated interactions,
thus providing an opportunity for a better understanding of the interface between
sociolinguistics and pragmatics. In addition, attention is also given to the various
sociolinguistic approaches and the methods for collecting data for the study of language
and society.
Course Requirements
Students must have 75% attendance in class to avoid losing regularity.
The attendance control system is electronic. The teacher also keeps track
internal attendance, since it is part of the course grade (see System of
assessment). Lack of punctuality (arriving more than ten minutes late or leaving early from class) will be considered a half-absence. In the event of not attending class, it is the students' responsibility to contact their classmates or their teacher to find out and complete the assignments for the next class.
Students are expected to actively participate in class and make an oral presentation, the topic and date of which will be agreed upon with the teacher during the course.
During the semester, students will be required to make oral presentations and assignments for each class, which will be evaluated as detailed below. In addition, there will be a final exam in the format of an essay or group research paper of approximately 3000 words and of an exploratory nature on some sociolinguistic aspect of Spanish. This work will include a short field work, a work methodology with an analysis and a conclusion. Late submission of work negatively affects the grade and after two classes from the assignment of the task, it will not be accepted. Missing the previous class does not justify not
doing the assigned task.
Grading Policy
Class participation 10%
Preparation of assigned readings with comments (3) 15%
Oral group presentations (2) 20%
Midterm exam (written) 20%
Final essay (group) 35%
For a better understanding of the grading system to the European or North American system, consult the comparison table in the student manual
which is online.
Required Textbooks and Materials
The Routledge Companion to Sociolinguistic