This course introduces students to the field of linguistic anthropology. It examines the role of language in shaping and mediating human social relations. Students will learn theories about the origins of language, the structure of linguistic systems (spoken, body language, etc.) and language performance in everyday and specialized interactions in different social and cultural contexts. Students learn the significance of discourse analysis in understanding the politics of meaning-making and how this translates to the acquisition and pervasiveness of particular forms of local knowledge and social relations, especially experiences of social inequality. This course is useful for students who are interested in learning about issues relating to culture and the use of language.