Course Outline
Course Name: WTF: Profanity, Language, and Power (CULT 2300)
Academic Period: 2024 - 2025
Faculty:
Faculty Availability:
Associate Dean:
Michelle Jordan
michelle.jordan@humber.ca
Schedule Type Code:
Land Acknowledgement
Humber College is located within the traditional and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Known as Adoobiigok [A-doe-bee-goke], the “Place of the Alders” in Michi Saagiig [Mi-Chee Saw-Geeg] language, the region is uniquely situated along Humber River Watershed, which historically provided an integral connection for Anishinaabe [Ah-nish-nah-bay], Haudenosaunee [Hoeden-no-shownee], and Wendat [Wine-Dot] peoples between the Ontario Lakeshore and the Lake Simcoe/Georgian Bay regions. Now home to people of numerous nations, Adoobiigok continues to provide a vital source of interconnection for all.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber (Humber) are leaders in providing a learning, working and living environment that recognizes and values equity, diversity and inclusion in all its programs and services. Humber commits to reflect the diversity of the communities the College serves. Students, faculty, support and administrative staff feel a sense of belonging and have opportunities to be their authentic selves.
| Faculty or Department | Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences |
|---|---|
| Course Name: | WTF: Profanity, Language, and Power (CULT 2300) |
| Pre-Requisites | none |
| Co-Requisites | none |
| Pre-Requisites for | none |
| Equates | none |
| Restrictions | none |
| Credit Value | |
| Total Course Hours |
| Developed By: | Prepared By: | Approved by: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle Jordan |
Humber Learning Outcomes (HLOs) in this course.
The HLOs are a cross-institutional learning outcomes strategy aimed at equipping Humber graduates with the employability skills, mindsets, and values they need to succeed in the future of work. To explore all the HLOs, please consult the Humber Learning Outcomes framework.
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Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging -
Indigenous Ways of Being Knowing and Doing (IWBKD) -
Critical Thinking -
Communication
Course Description
In a world where words hold increasing influence, this course explores the complex connection between language, power, and profanity. Through the lens of profanity and other taboo communication, students will investigate what gives words their power and how words - including the naughty ones - can empower or disempower individuals and communities. From forbidden language to the amplified rhetoric of world and cultural leaders, students will discover how language shapes their world and is a tool used to marginalize or liberate and control or resist. Using local and global examples both past and present, students will connect concepts of language and power to examine how language has influenced their own lives and communities. Content Warning: This course explores the use of profanity and taboo language in various social, cultural, and historical contexts. Discussions and materials will contain explicit language, sensitive topics, and depictions of power dynamics, oppression, and discrimination. Though every effort will be made to explore these topics with sensitivity, respect, and intellectual honesty, some individuals may find the content uncomfortable or triggering. Students who may be offended or disturbed by such material should take this into consideration before enrolling in this class.
Course Rationale
Cultural Studies courses provide a toolbox with which to critically interrogate major social and economic forces and conditions, including technology, culture, identity and power. The interdisciplinary approach of Cultural Studies encourages student reflection and engagement in the social world, thereby promoting active participation in both the production and consumption of culture
Course Learning Method(s)
- Collaborative Learning
- Lecture
- Student-led Learning
- Inquiry Based Learning
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO)
| Learning Outcome | Learning Objectives | Summative Assessments | Formative Assessments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply social, political, cultural, and linguistic concepts to explain the role of profanity in society. |
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| Analyze the use of profanity across a variety of sources to demonstrate how language is used to empower or disempower people and communities. |
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| Scrutinize personal attitudes about profanity and how they may be influenced by societal norms to promote self-awareness and empathy. |
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| Identify linguistic features and rhetorical strategies of profane language to analyze power dynamics and social meaning. |
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| Assess profanity to explain how language is used to form identity. |
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| Compare cultural perceptions of profanity to understand similarities and differences in how cultures and societies respond to profanity. |
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| Use profanity responsibly and ethically to promote inclusivity and social justice. |
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Assessment Weighting
| Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Test | |
| Tests | 20% |
| Writing Assignment | |
| Written Assignment #1 | 20% |
| Written Assignment #2 | 20% |
| Instructor-Created Assessments | |
| Negotiated per Section: Quizzes, Online Discussions, Short Projects, Reflections and/or Presentations | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Modules of Study
| Module | Course Learning Outcomes | Resources | Assessments |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Origins of Profanity: What's profanity? Where does it come from? Who and what makes some words profane and not others? |
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| The Purpose of Profanity: Why do people swear? What are the linguistic and social functions of profanity? |
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| Profanity and Identity: How does language and profanity shape identity and world view? |
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| Profanity, Power, and Control: How is language controlled? How has language been used to control people? How has profanity been used to disempower people? |
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| Profanity, Power, and Liberation: How have communities and people reclaimed profanity and taboo language? How have people use profanity to empower themselves and their communities? |
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Required Resources
| Title | ISBN |
|---|---|
Anderson, Catherine. (2022). 2.2 Language and offence. In Catherine Anderson, Essentials of Linguistics, 2nd edition (2nd ed.). eCampusOntario. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/essentialsoflinguistics2/chapter/2-2-language-and-offense/ |
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Mantell, A. (n.d.). Meet Sociolinguistics: What all the cool feminists are talking about. In A. Mantell, Wordslut (pp. 1–20). |
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O’Connor, E. M. (2020, December 7). Why they tried to censor the blues. Classic Rock. www.loudersound.com |
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Pinker, S. (n.d.). Seven words you can’t say on television. In S. Pinker, The stuff of thought: Language as a window into human nature. (pp. 323–372).
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Vsauce. (2013, November). Why Are Bad Words Bad? [Video]. YouTube. |
Supplemental Resources
| Title | ISBN |
|---|---|
Bonette-Bailey, Lakeyta. (2018). Rap music's path from pariah to Pulitzer. Bizarre Culture. |
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Tait, Amelia. (2022). Are TikTok Algorithms Changing How People Talk About Suicide? WIRED. |
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Resource(s):
Course material costs can be found through the Humber Bookstore.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process whereby candidates may obtain credits for prior learning. Prior learning includes the knowledge competencies and skills acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside of post-secondary education. Candidates may have their knowledge, skills and competencies evaluated against the learning outcomes as defined in the course outline. Please review the Assessment Methods Glossary for more information on the Learning Portfolio assessment methods identified below.
The method(s) that are used to assess prior learning for this course may include:
- Challenge Exam (results recorded as a % grade and added to student’s CGPA)
Please contact the Program Coordinator for more details.
Academic Regulations
It is the student's responsibility to be aware of the College Academic Regulations. The Academic Regulations apply to all applicants to Humber and all current students enrolled in any program or course offered by Humber, in any location. Information about academic appeals is found in the Academic Regulations.
Anti-Discrimination Statement
At Humber College, all forms of discrimination and harassment are prohibited. Students and employees have the right to study, live and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. If you need assistance on concerns related to discrimination and harassment, please contact the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion or the Office of Student Conduct.
Accessible Learning Services
Humber strives to create a welcoming environment for all students where equity, diversity and inclusion are paramount. Accessible Learning Services facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating academic accommodations and services. Staff in Accessible Learning Services are available by appointment to assess specific needs, provide referrals and arrange appropriate accommodations. If you require academic accommodations, contact:
North Campus: (416) 675-6622 X5090
Lakeshore Campus: (416) 675-6622 X3331
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is essentially honesty in all academic endeavors. Academic integrity requires that students avoid all forms of academic misconduct or dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating on tests or exams or any misrepresentation of academic accomplishment.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made by the professor/faculty to cover all material listed in the outline, the order, content, and/or evaluation may change in the event of special circumstances (e.g. time constraints due to inclement weather, sickness, college closure, technology/equipment problems or changes, etc.). In any such case, students will be given appropriate notification in writing, with approval from the Senior Dean (or designate) of the Faculty.
Copyright
Copyright is the exclusive legal right given to a creator to reproduce, publish, sell or distribute his/her work. All members of the Humber community are required to comply with Canadian copyright law which governs the reproduction, use and distribution of copyrighted materials. This means that the copying, use and distribution of copyright- protected materials, regardless of format, is subject to certain limits and restrictions. For example, photocopying or scanning an entire textbook is not allowed, nor is distributing a scanned book.
See the Humber Libraries website for additional information regarding copyright and for details on allowable limits.
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning • 2024/2025.