This course introduces the student to the research that has been done
on African American English (AAE). The course will largely (though not
exclusively) focus on the grammar of AAE and the academic controversy
regarding its origins. In the first several weeks we review the
grammatical features that are said to characterize AAE. Afterwards, we
will examine in detail the controversy over the origins of these
features and the various hypotheses regarding it. Readings will be
drawn from both the popular press and academic articles. Students will
be expected to present a number of the readings and write an original
research paper on some aspect of the course. There may also be
homework assignment(s) and/or exam(s).