Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Introduction to Hispanic Sociolinguistics

SPAN 4410-01

Course: SPAN 4410-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: FLPH
CRN: 12851

Course Description

This course will introduce students to the study of Hispanic Sociolinguistics, including concepts and theories about linguistic differences between speakers based on gender, age, and socio-economic status, and how this impacts their linguistic choices. Students will also learn how to critically analyze linguistic phenomena and start establishing basic correlations between language and its social context. (Fall, Spring, Summer [As Needed]) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): SPAN 3210 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C- Registration Restriction(s): None

The course is an introduction to basic concepts and ideas in the field of Hispanic Sociolinguistics from a variationist perspective. One of the objectives of the class is to help students acquire skills to do basic sociolinguistc analyses about various aspects of the language, using a critical approach. Students will be exposed to different research methodlogies used in sociolinguistic studies. Another objective is for students to examine current beliefs, attitudes and ideologies associated with the language and to establish basic correlations between aspects of the language and the social context in which it is used.

Among the topics to be studied are what is sociolinguistcs and what sociolinguists do, methodological aspects in the field, variationist sociolinguistics with an emphasis on sociophonology, the analysis of certain attitudes towards the language, variation and linguistic change, and bilingualism and languages in contact.

Required Texts

Silva-Corvalán, Carmen & Andrés Enrique-Arias. 2017. Sociolingüística y pragmática del español (Second Edition). Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press. 

Learning Outcomes

In this course students will acquire basic knowledge about theoretical and methodological aspects of Hispanic Sociolinguistics. Students will also:
1. learn how to analyze and critically evaluate ideas in this field
2. use and apply the material and methodologies from the course in their own research projects 

The course will focus on the following Essential Learning Outcomes designed by SUU:
  • Critical/Creative Thinking
  • Inquiry and Analysis
  • Knowledge of Human Cultures

Course Requirements

Course components:
Exams (2)                                                              20%
Homework (5)                                                        25%
Canvas Posting, Attendance and Participation       10%
Leading Class Discussion                                       5%
Data Collection                                                      10% 
Poster Project                                                       20%
Final Project Summary                                         10%
 Total                                                                  100%

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Assignments must be submitted by the date indicated in the calendar. Late work will be accepted, however, students will lose 5% per each day until it reaches 0. Late exams will not be accepted.

Course Outline

Week 1
Course Introduction
Week 2
Chapter 1: Language, variation and dialects 
Week 3
Review Chapter 1
Chapter 2: Methodology
Week 4
Chapter 2: Methodology
Data collection practice in class
Week 5
Review Chapter 2
Chapter 3: The study of lingusitic atittudes
Week 6
Chapter 3: The study of lingusitic atittudes
Review Chapter 3
Week 7
Review Exam 1
Exam 1 
Chapter 4: Variation Theory and Sociophonology
Week 8
Chapter 4: Variation Theory and Sociophonology
Review Chapter 4 and other types of variationist analyses
Week 9
Summary of data collection
Chapter 7: Variation and change
Week 10
No class, Spring Break
Week 11
Chapter 7: Variation and change
Week 12
Review Exam 2
Exam 2
In-class working session for final project
Chapter 8: Bilingualism and languages in contact
Week 13
Chapter 8: Bilingualism and languages in contact
Week 14
Chapter 8: Bilingualism and languages in contact
Review Chapter 8
Week 15
Final project presentation
Finals Week 
Summary Final project 

Attendance Policy

Punctual attendance is mandatory in the course. It is expected that all students attend class both physically and mentally. It is responsibility of each absent student to reach out to their classmates to find out what happened in class that day and keep up with the material and assignments covered during their absence. Students will have four excused absences, after the fourth absence, a 5% will be deducted from students' participation and attendance grade. If a student has more than 6 absences they will receive a zero (0) or their attendance for the semester. If a student has a good reason to not attend, they should bring evidence such an email with an essential appointment, a doctor's appointment, etc. to be excused. If a student has a job that prevents them from attending class, they should think about registering for the class at a different time or wait until the class is offered at a more convenient time. Several absences will work against the student's success in class.

Course Fees

N/A

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.