Linguistics

Undergraduate and TESL Minor Coordinator: A.M. Wyatt-Brown

Graduate Coordinator: C. Wiltshire

TESL Certificate Adviser: J. Casagrande

A basic level introduction to word formation, sentence structure, basic sound systems, language acquisition, language varieties and the use of language in social interactions. Emphasis on individual topics will vary from instructor to instructor. (H) GR-E†

Introduction to study of roles played by language and literacy in human attempts to comprehend and describe the universe. (S)

An introduction to core areas of linguistics research: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics and language acquisition. Linguistics majors should register for especially designated LIN 3010 sections if available. (H)

In depth study of sounds employed in languages of the world. Emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying the production of speech sounds and the ability to recognize, distinguish and phonetically transcribe speech sounds from an unfamiliar language. An important element is the investigation of the patterning and functions of sounds in languages of the world, applying the methods of analyzing a language sound system.

Review and evaluation of the principles of traditional grammar as reflected in the works of the best grammarians. Illustrations in several languages. Comparison of varieties of grammatical models used to describe these languages. Evaluation of degree to which a grammar developed essentially for Latin describes other languages, particularly non-Indo-European languages. Practice and evaluation of different models of parsing. GR-E†

An introduction to the defining characteristics and varieties of human natural languages and dialects. Presentations include a model of the nature of language, a survey of language families, the unity of languages and their diversity, areal linguistics, pidgins, creoles and international languages. (I, S)

Designed to equip students with principles of etymology and an ability to recognize the origin of words by their form. Focus is on word formation and change in form and meaning, the linguistic background of English; the sociocultural history of English in England; and the input from classical sources.

Introduction to the language of pre-tenth century texts, analysis of sentence structure, word building processes and cultural values encoded in literary texts.

Provides a basic introduction to the study of phonetics. Topics covered include anatomy and physiology of the speech production apparatus, transcription and production of some of the world’s sounds, basic acoustics, computerized methods for speech analysis, acoustic characteristics of sounds, stress and intonation, and basic issues in speech perception. Undergraduates should be aware that this course may be taught in conjunction with LIN 6208, Phonetics and Linguists, a graduate course.

Phonemics, syllabic and prosodic phenomena, neutralization, distinctive features, morphophonemic alternation, phonological systems and processes. Terminology and notational conventions of generative phonology and Optimality Theory. Problems from a variety of languages. Undergraduates should be aware that this course may be taught in conjunction with a graduate course that bears the same title.

Theory of word structure, derivation and inflection. The position of morphology in a grammar, the relationship between morphology and the rest of grammar, typology, cultural and conceptual categories, predictions of various theories or morphology. Examples and problems from a wide variety of the world’s languages. Undergraduates should be aware that this course may be taught in conjunction with a graduate class that bears the same name.

The generative-transformational model of syntax: phrase structure, the lexicon, case and agreement, government, and anaphora. Emphasis on problem solving and linguistic argumentation. Undergraduates should be aware that this course may be taught in conjunction with a graduate course that bears the same title.

Major approaches to language in context: ethnolinguistic, sociological, linguistic. Applications of socio-linguistics to applied linguistics, social sciences and education. Collection and analysis of data. (S, I)

Language in the construction of sex and gender roles within a culture. Grammaticalization of gender in languages of the world. Interaction of grammatical structures with gender stereotypes. Consequences of these interactions on grammatical structures. (S, I)

The neurolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and sociolinguistic bases of second language acquisition in childhood and adulthood.

The goal is to study truth conditional semantics as opposed to pragmatics. Basic notions in classical logic will be taught since logic is assumed in truth conditional semantics.

Individual study for Linguistics majors.

A rotating topics course, offered by faculty members in areas of their specialties. Some offerings may involve extensive writing, while others will deal with quantitative analysis or field methodology. (H, I)

Provides historical overview of trends in language teaching technology leading to communicative approaches to techniques for teaching listening, speaking, reading and writing. Trains students to instruct small groups and individuals in English language skills.