Unique course offering for Spring 2026!
CGE 496 Language and Revolution: English in the Age of American Independence
Credits: 3 | CRN 33422 | T/R 3-4:15pm
Course Description:
This course explores how the American Revolution reshaped the English language鈥攁nd how language itself influenced the Revolution鈥檚 ideals, identity, and communication. Students will examine the linguistic shifts that accompanied the birth of a new nation, from evolving spellings and pronunciations to the emergence of distinctly American expressions, rhetoric, and political discourse. In addition to studying the development of American English, the course will also consider the linguistic diversity of the period, including the influence and resilience of Native American languages and the early foundations of African American English within the broader social and political landscape.
As part of the upcoming VA250 commemorations of the American Revolution, this course will incorporate special events, guest lectures, and experiential learning projects to connect classroom study with real-world perspectives on language, history, and identity.
This course is open to all students, especially those interested in historical linguistics, language learning, and language teaching. It may be of particular interest to international students who wish to explore American colloquialisms, differences between British and American English, and the historical roots of modern American English. No prior linguistics background required.
Advisors - Please feel free to share this information with students who may be interested in using this course to meet the upper-division general education requirement (Option D).
