What is a word? How does it function, or appear to function? Can we ever truly communicate or understand what is said? Do we produce, or perform, language-or does language shape us? This discussion-oriented course provides an introduction to thinking about meaning and verbal expression through fairly complex language-related theory, read against lighter dramatic works and other cultural materials. Theory covered will include readings by Saussure, Wittgenstein, Austin, Heidegger, Derrida, Butler, Haraway, and others. Materials examined will include plays by Chekhov, Wilde, Beckett, Mamet, Churchill, and others, as well as Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham, clips from Marx Brothers films, and simple computer-based talking robots whose linguistic programming students will analyze and reformat (no computer knowledge necessary). Requirements: active participation, several short writing and group assignments, one 5- to 7-page paper, one 10- to 12-page paper, a short presentation, and a take-home final exam. Students will be evaluated on the basis of effort, engagement, and depth of exploration. Prerequisite: a 100-level English course, except 150. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 25). Preference to English and Comp/Lit. Studies majors. (Post-1900 or Criticism)

Hour: SALAMENSKY