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.
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
This course would have been interesting, but the professor was more focused on going above the level of material that we were discussing in order to chat with ANTH majors. She got distracted quite easily, and went way too in to depth, which I don't entirely blame her for since the class was somehow mostly ANTH majors who had a clear understanding of linguistics prior to taking this course.
This course would have been interesting, but the professor was more focused on going above the level of material that we were discussing in order to chat with ANTH majors. She got distracted quite easily, and went way too in to depth, which I don't entirely blame her for since the class was somehow mostly ANTH majors who had a clear …Read more
Professor Nevins is one of the nicest instructors on campus. She is also the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to Native North American languages. This class shows you a brief look into many of the fields within linguistics, from historical, social, phonological, and psychological. I really cool class with discussions and presentations that make classes not feel like boring lectures.
Professor Nevins is one of the nicest instructors on campus. She is also the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to Native North American languages. This class shows you a brief look into many of the fields within linguistics, from historical, social, phonological, and psychological. I really cool class with discussions an …Read more
I took this class because I heard it was easy and needed something to fill the schedule. The professor is super nice and the only real assignments outside of some easy things here and there are the exams. If you use the book and pay somewhat attention it's very do-able but as someone who wasn't paying much attention, I still learned a good amount.
This class is pretty easy. The professor clearly shows that she likes what she is teaching. The exams are really straight forward and easy except for the phonology exam, I myself struggle a little on it but its open book and take home.
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.