Language Structure & Function
Language Structure and Function In this course we will discuss the major issues and findings in the study of human language within theories of modern linguistics, which shares a history with mid-century American anthropology. The main topics include the nature of human language in comparison with other communication systems; sound patterns (phonology); word-formation (morphology); sentence structure (syntax); meaning (semantics); use (pragmatics); language acquisition and socialization. We will also consider language variation and the historical development of languages. Instruction is in English but examples will be drawn from less commonly studied languages around the world. This course is part of the Public Humanities Labs Initiative administered by the Axinn Center for the Humanities.
Language Structure and Function In this course we will discuss the major issues and findings in the study of human language within theories of modern linguistics, which shares a history with mid-century American anthropology. The main topics include the nature of human language in comparison with other communication systems; sound patterns (phonology); word-formation (morphology); sentence structure (syntax); meaning (semantics); use (pragmatics); language acquisition and socialization. We will also consider language variation and the historical development of languages. Instruction is in Eng …Read more
I am a freshman at midd and took this course because I may be interested in Anthropologie. The class was very boring and pretty much everyone was doing something else throughout class. All exams were take home and pretty easy so I would take this class if you want an ready A and are ok with being bored.
The course was one of the easiest courses I have taken. It was enjoyable, and the teacher was very lenient with assignments and attendance. The topics we discussed could be a little boring at most times, but it was an interesting class overall.