ENG 3610: Principles of Language invites you to explore the hidden architecture of the language you use every day. Why do dialects carry social power? How do words shape identity, politics, and belonging? What makes a “standard” language—and who decides? In this course, we’ll investigate the sounds, structures, and social lives of English through linguistics, sociolinguistics, language acquisition, and cultural analysis. You’ll analyze real-world discourse communities, experiment with creating your own language, and explore the thinkers who transformed how we understand human communication. This course will sharpen your analytical skills, deepen your awareness of language diversity, and equip you to speak with authority about how language works—and why it matters. If you’ve ever wondered how words shape the world, this is your class.
M/W FtF 12-12:50; F asynchronous remote
Fall 2026
Dr. Lora Hawkins
Digital signage slide for “ENG 3610: Principles of Language” featuring a light gray background with subtle speech bubbles and sound-wave graphics; large green title text at top, course description centered, and hybrid schedule, Fall 2026, and Dr. Lora Hawkins listed below.
