Course Overview

“What is language? How does it impact our daily lives?”

The course is explores the ever changing relationship between culture and language with the goal of uncovering abstract patterns and generalizations. By engaging in meaningful discussions, we will discover how English is perceived by society through an interdisciplinary lens.                                                 

The course will open with a brief introduction to language contact, offering a sense of what it means for language to hold power in a society. We will analyze the importance of language variation in certain contexts while understanding different perspectives on identity, social institutions, cultural values, and relationships with language. During this, we will examine our own preconceived notions about language and how they impact our daily interactions.

All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.

Course Objectives

  • Notice how language is used and how it varies across a range of contexts in which we engage daily.
  • Understand different perspectives with regard to context, including identities, social institutions, cultural values, and their relationships with language.
  • Analyze why and how some varieties of language are more highly valued than others.
  • Participate in discussions about language misconceptions as well as other language-related issues.

Course Information

Course Prefix and Number: TBD

Format: Online

Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior status – or a 2023 high school graduate. 

Credit: Noncredit

Grading: Pass/Fail

Cost: $1,985
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees.  Discounts and scholarships are also available.


Program Information

Summer College – Online: Explore college life before stepping foot on campus! High school students can enroll in a college-level course, pursue their academic interests, and meet likeminded students in daily virtual events and activities.


“When I first applied to Summer College – Online at Syracuse University I was overwhelmed with excitement. When the first day of classes took place I knew, right off the bat, that I had made the right choice in becoming a part of such a welcoming community.”

—Leire D., Summer College – Online Student, 2020

Course Dates and Details

ProgramCourse DatesSynchronous Class Time (Eastern Time)Credit/NoncreditStatus
Summer College – Online3-Week Session II:
Monday, July 24 – Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023
MTWTh;
6-7 p.m.
NoncreditClosed

Course Requirements

Technology Requirements

  • Laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and mouse
  • Reliable internet access
  • A space conducive to taking an online class (without distractions)

Typical Day

Tentative Schedule

Students will attend class from 6-7 p.m. and during that time students engage with the lecture as well as have meaningful discussions with their peers.

When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College virtual activities to meet and connect with other students across the world. Check out our Virtual Campus Experience page for more information!

Faculty Bios

Maria J. Para

Maria J. Para is an instructor at the College of Professional Studies’ English Language Institute. She holds undergraduate degrees in English as well as a Master’s degree in Linguistics from SU. Her research interests include (but are not limited to) second language acquisition, multilingual identity, and language variation. She has conducted research internationally and has presented at language conferences at the University of Alabama and Purdue University. She enjoys teaching and finds tremendous value in building a rich learning environment for students.