Introduction to Linguistics
Introduction to Linguistics In this course we will discuss the major issues and findings in the study of human language within theories of modern linguistics. The main topics include the nature of human language as opposed to other communication systems; sound patterns (phonology); word-formation (morphology); sentence structure (syntax); meaning (semantics); language and the brain; language acquisition; geographical and social dialects; and historical development of language and language change.
This is a seminar class, taking place for about three hours on Monday afternoons. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to stay attentive for that long of a period. Each week we are assigned to read a chapter from the textbook, to which we are asked to either pose a question or answer two of our peer's questions on a weekly discussion board. These are then discussed in class. The classes generally have the same format of a presentation with a few tasks throughout, but at times the slow pace can feel a little bit disengaging.
This is a seminar class, taking place for about three hours on Monday afternoons. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to stay attentive for that long of a period. Each week we are assigned to read a chapter from the textbook, to which we are asked to either pose a question or answer two of our peer's questions on a weekly discuss …Read more