Courses

Language is one of the most central aspects of human life. How we think and act to a great extent relies on the language we use. This course introduces the cognitive processes underlying human language and uses the empirical evidence in psychology of language as the basis for understanding linguistic biases and illusions. Students who are interested in how language works in the mind, how we are subject to linguistic biases, and how we can creatively think about ways to study and combat biases and stereotypes will find this course useful.  

This course explores the intricate relationship between language and biases, unraveling how linguistic choices, accents, and social stereotypes shape perception, reinforce stereotypes, and influence societal attitudes. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine the impact of language on cognition, interpersonal communication, and broader societal structures. Topics include the cognitive effects on implicit biases related to language and categorization, media representation, inclusive language, and strategies for promoting linguistic awareness, inclusiveness, and equity. Students will develop critical thinking skills to research, analyze, challenge, and respond to linguistic biases.

This course is eligible for honors credit through Hutton Honors College. 

Catalog Information: COLL-S 105  FRESHMAN SEMINAR IN N&M

Instructor:

Chien-Jer Charles Lin

Email:

chiclin@indiana.edu

Department:

East Asian Languages & Cultures

Prof. Charles Lin is an experimental linguist doing research on grammar and cognitive processes. His research focuses on how linguistic communication is made possible and at the same time constrained by the human brain. He directs the language and cognition lab at IU, where he and his students study various psycholinguistic issues of the Chinese languages. He enjoys thinking about how Language works, observing how people use language to communicate, discovering new puzzles about language, and using scientific methods to explore answers to these puzzles. At IU, he teaches courses on psycholinguistics, linguistic diversity, and Chinese linguistics.

GenEd Information: Approved for the Natural & Mathematical Sciences - Natural Sciences requirement of the IU Bloomington General Education program.