Can language learned in development (or thereafter) influence, limit, define, or even determine our cognition? Is our ability to reason–that one difference understood between us and other animals–guided by the linguistic systems at our minds’ disposal? This course is an exploration of linguistic relativity, debate therein, prerequisites for understanding thereof, adjacent, and relevant topics. We will examine topics with case examples (individual languages) and ideas posited by various thinkers in modern cognitive linguistics and throughout the history of philosophy. No experience/prior knowledge necessary. Lecture/Discussion format.

3 papers of any length, any subject; weekly short readings and one (1) notepage of any form or format. Both entirely open ended-this class is about thoughts and such is the nature of thoughts.