This course in an introduction to the linguistic diversity of the United States and the role of language in the production and negotiation of various forms of social difference (e.g; ethnicity, gender, region, etc.). Topics include, the role of language is the formation of social identity categories, social issues related to non-standard English dialects, and multilingualism in American society. Emphasis will be given to questions of power and resistance related to language use in the contexts of government, education and business.