This class is an exploration of profanity, swearing, and taboo language. Studying this
language offers insights into the ways that languages work and how humans use language. This
class will investigate what makes a word taboo or obscene? Who decides? How does swearing
change from culture to culture and how has it changed over time? Why do we swear at all? What
might its purpose be? When do we learn to swear? How do we try to censor language?
Together, we will answer these questions and more as we dive into the world of profanity and
taboo language.
Kellian Clink is your librarian for this class. Please get in contact through email: kellian.clink@mnsu.edu