This seminar explores English-language songs as rich sites of linguistic and cultural meaning. Through the lens of linguistics, students will examine how lyrics shape and reflect the way we speak, feel, and relate to the world around us. We will delve into the foundations of language - sounds, word forms, and grammar - while also unpacking the deeper emotional, cultural, and social messages music conveys.
Course highlights include:
- Analyzing phonological, morphological, and syntactic patterns in song lyrics
- Interpreting how meaning is built through vocabulary, metaphor, and style
- Exploring how music mirrors and shapes cultural values and norms
- Investigating how language in songs communicates identity and addresses social issues like gender, race, and politics
- Reflecting on the emotional power of lyrics and the linguistic tools that create it
Students will also carry out small-scale research projects based on a song of their choice, applying linguistic theories to real-world texts and presenting their findings both in writing and in class.
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