PWR 2JJA: Language, Culture and Generational Identity (working title)

“Parasocial”, “aura-farming”,  “Biohack”, “slop”,  and “rage-bait” all made it to the top of “word of the year” lists in 2025. What do they tell us? Generational shifts in language reflect deeper shifts in values and worldviews; how we joke, protest, persuade, interpret cultural norms or engage in relationships tells a story about who we are and how we see the world.  Language is more than a tool for information—it is a site in which culture, humor, politics, and identity collide. With the rise of digital and social media, accelerated language change has made visible new forms of communication, irony, and code-switching, especially among Gen Z, whose discourse practices mark a notable departure from those of Millennials, Gen X, or Boomers. Increasingly, these shifts intersect with AI-mediated language technologies, raising new questions about authenticity, authority, and “human” engagement across media spaces.

In this writing and speaking course, we will examine the role of language in constructing generational identity and belonging across digital platforms, political movements, and cultural spaces. Together, we’ll explore how generational differences shape approaches to areas like self expression, educational participation, civic engagement, and how digital ecosystems—from TikTok to meme communities—mediate communication, miscommunication, and conflict across generations. 

Building on insights from fields such as sociolinguistics, cultural studies and media studies, you are invited to take an interdisciplinary approach to investigate a generational issue or discourse that matters to you. Exploring new modes in written and oral communication, you will have the opportunity to work across genres and translate your research for live audiences.

Examples of Research Topics  

For this course, you will engage in a quarter-long in-depth research project.  Sample research topics you might pursue: the politics of memes in protest movements, analyze intergenerational discourse or language loss or change across generations, investigate Gen Z approaches to mental health or wellness, compare communication norms in the workplace, examine the stylistic strategies of humor in media spaces or trace how digital platforms mediate and amplify identity performance.

PWR 2 Assignment Sequence

Research Proposal (3 to 5-minute live oral presentation; written proposal of 900-1200 words): You’ll propose a project that investigates the social, cultural, aesthetic, or political dimensions of a topic related to language, generational identity, or digital discourse.  Students will translate their proposal into a research pitch.

Written Research-Based Argument (3000-3600 words; 10-12 pages): You’ll expand upon the ideas expressed in your research proposal to craft a research-based argument that seeks to persuade your intended audience and make a small contribution to the conversation. You are encouraged to include a component of primary research—such as rhetorical or discourse analysis of social media, digital ethnography, interviews, surveys, or archival research—to complement your secondary research and support your analysis of social, political, or aesthetic trends.

Research Presentation (10-minute live oral presentation with appropriate multimedia support): To conclude the quarter, you will translate your written argument into a memorable 10-minute research talk that incorporates multimedia.