This seminar is concerned with the ways in which African American English mediates identity across cultural and social contexts and examines significant theories and arguments concerning its genesis, maintenance, and social function. The course will explore and analyze language ideology and current linguistic, educational, and historical arguments concerning AAE innovations and continuities, including the Ebonics debate. Innovative research on discourse styles, age, and gender will also be reviewed. Students will critique the state of AAE research and its success or failure to describe the changing and diverse character of urban African-American speech communities.