Dr. Karen Pennesi

Associate Professor

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Biography

Karen Pennesi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Western University. She specializes in Linguistic Sociocultural Anthropology with a focus on how language plays a key role in the processes that construct individual and group identities. Her research explores the significance of personal names and their influence on self-perception and the treatment of individuals within legal and institutional frameworks in Canada. Pennesi's interdisciplinary work examines the intersections of immigration, social integration, and belonging, with a commitment to promoting understanding and respect in linguistically and culturally diverse societies. Additionally, she investigates verbal art, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social ramifications, analyzing the interactions between performers and audiences on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Pennesi regularly teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Discourse Analysis and Language Identity, and is interested in mentorship opportunities for graduate students within her research areas. Her work contributes significantly to the understanding of linguistic justice and Indigenous experiences.

Research Interests

Courses

Introduction to Sociocultural Linguistic Anthropology Anthropological Approaches to Language Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics Verbal Art, Performance, and Speech Play Languages in Canada Applied Linguistics Discourse and Society Language and Identity Research Methods in Sociocultural Anthropology

Requirements for Western University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:86
Prerequisites
Four-year degree, honours or the equivalent, in anthropology or equivalent background in social sciences.
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Two academic references
  • Sample of written work (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of academic intent
  • Transcripts
  • CV (optional)
Specialization Notes

Streams include Archaeology and Bioarchaeology, and Sociocultural Anthropology.