Linguistics 100 - 3 S.H.

Introduction to Linguistics

This course is an introduction to the field of linguistics. It focuses on the analysis of linguistic structures, the use of language in society and cognitive aspects of language. Students will learn the basic tools of analysis of sound systems, word formation, sentence building, and conversation. They will use these tools to understand other facets of language such as variation, acquisition and the human capacity for language. The course will equip students with the basic tools of modern linguistic analysis as well as an understanding of what is gained from this analysis.

None

The course is the first in the series of four linguistics courses, which are the core to the linguistics major. The linguistics major overlaps in part with both the computer science major and the linguistics concentration, which will be taken by students in the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) major.  As such, this course covers a breadth of topics in preparation for later courses. Anticipated size of classes is 30 students and this course is offered fall and spring semesters.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. The student will be able to solve linguistic problems in the core areas explored in the course.
2. The student will be able to discuss his/her understanding of the reasons for and benefits of linguistic analysis.
3. The student will be able to identify linguistic matters in the public eye and in their own lives in areas such as anthropological linguistics, applied linguistics, neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics.
4. The student will be able to develop informed opinions on linguistic matters referred to in © above.

1. Understanding of and practice with analysis of linguistic structures in the following areas:
1. Phonetics           (articulatory, acoustic, perceptual)
2. Phonology         (segmental, suprasegmental)
3. Morphology       (in syntax and phonology)
4. Syntax               (theoretical, transformation, functional, categorial, cognitive)
5. Semantics          (lexical, formal)
6. Pragmatics         (Gricean)
7. Discourse          
2. Uses and functions of language in society such as topics in:
1. Anthropological linguistics
   The relationship between language and culture
2. Sociolinguistics
   Variation, language contact, bi- and multi-lingualism, language attitudes, language in education
3. Applied linguistics
   Teaching and learning of foreign and second languages, interpretation and translation, historical linguistics
3. Language and the Brain:
1. Neurolinguistics
   The study of the brain and how it functions in the production, perception and acquisition of speech.
2. Psycholinguistics
   The study of the interrelationship of language and cognitive structures

Methods include: lecture, demonstration, reading, student presentations, class discussion, use of Internet and software.

Requirements include: regular class attendance and participation, written work such as research papers, web-based projects, reaction papers, weekly problem sets, longer analytical works and examinations, oral work such as participation in discussions, response to readings, and class presentations.

Means of evaluation include: evaluation of class attendance in terms of attendance and participation, evaluation of written assignments in terms of parameters including creativity, use of analytical devices and writing (structure and content), evaluation of oral assignments in terms of parameters such as clarity, structure and content.

The department has the faculty resources and expertise to offer this course. We have verified with computing services and with Penfield Library that they have (or will have) sufficient resources available to enable us to offer this course. The department also confirms that the additional equipment and facilities required to offer this course (such as art prints, multimedia equipment, projection rooms, etc.) are available (or will be available before this course is offered).

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