230562 The Language of Politics in America (S) (WiSe 2008/2009)

The inspiration for this course is obviously the exciting upcoming election in November 2008. We will use the beginning of the semester to investigate what exactly the candidates, the media, and the people are saying and writing. How is language instrumentalized to serve political purposes? How does political language affect and attempt to manipulate voter response? What are the "buzzwords" of this election? Some that have already surfaced are: hope, change, experience, elite, surge ... How does context and media hype change the meanings of words? To what extent does the result of the election represent a victory of one set of words or definitions over another?

We will also be looking at the essential vocabulary required to understand the workings of American politics and its reflections in the media and will consider historical examples of politics being the catalyst for language change and shifted meanings. Students will engage in individual projects reflecting their own interests and will produce portfolios. There will also be occasional lexical quizzes .

Since I am still in the process of developing my course concept, I will be updating this description during the summer. Meanwhile, prospective participants are urged to begin now following the campaign closely through CNN, The International Herald Tribune, The New York Times, YouTube, and a range of internet sources. You should download, print or otherwise save useful materials. Pay particular attention to the Republican and Democratic conventions: DNC Aug. 25-28 and RNC Sept. 1-4.