LING-LINGUISTICS

LING 2110G. Introduction to the Study of Language and Linguistics

3 Credits (3)

This course presents an introduction to the study of language through the basic aspects of linguistic analysis: the sound system (phonetics and phonology), the structure of words and sentences (morphology and syntax), and the ways in which language is used to convey meaning (semantics and pragmatics). In addition, the course will investigate how language is acquired and stored in the brain, and how differences in speech styles and dialects reflect different social and cultural backgrounds of individual speakers.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the basic concepts and terminology associated with phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
  2. Comprehend how language evolves over history and over an individual’s lifespan.
  3. Describe some common, but mistaken, beliefs about language and to distinguish between descriptive and prescriptive approaches to language.
  4. Describe the social, psychological, geographic and historical influences that lead to language dominance or language endangerment.
  5. Be aware of the relations among various languages in the world, between dialects and slang, and between human and non-human languages.
  6. Apply methods of linguistic analysis as introduced in the course.
  7. Critically engage with the works of linguistic researchers.
  8. Stimulate curiosity about language and what it reveals about the human mind.

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LING 302V. Language and Society

3 Credits (3)

Study of how social identity including such factors as ethnicity, age, sex, education, power and socio-economic class is expressed in language systems and how misunderstandings arise between groups. Research skills are emphasized.

LING 303. Exploring Language Systems

3 Credits (3)

Forms of linguistic semantic, syntactic and phonological organization.

Prerequisite(s): LING 2110G.

LING 405. Topics in Linguistics

3 Credits (3)

Selected linguistics topics subtitled in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits under different subtitles.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

LING 425. Language and the Mind: Introduction to Psycholinguistics

3 Credits (3)

This course is an introduction to psycholinguistics; the study of how humans learn, represent, comprehend and produce language. Throughout this course, we address a variety of questions on the psychology of language most of which are still being answered. These include: What does it mean to know a language? What are the cognitive processes involved in language use? How do we produce and recognize speech? How can we improve texts and make them easier to read? How can we control speech in special situations to avoid errors?

Prerequisite(s): LING 2110G or consent of instructor.

LING 451. Independent Studies in Linguistics

1-3 Credits

Individual or group study of selected topics to be identified by subtitle. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: LING 2110G and prior arrangement with faculty supervisor.

LING 455. Research in Linguistics

3 Credits (3)

This course will provide a capstone experience for students who have progressed through the program in linguistics and provide the foundation for further study at the post-graduate level in a linguistics-related field. Students will apply their foundation of knowledge and skills in linguistics through the realization of an individualized, inquiry-based project. Consent of instructor may enroll student only in case of elective credit shortfall with concurrent enrollment.

Prerequisite(s): LING 2110G, LING 301, LING 302V, LING 303, plus 9 credit hours of related electives.

LING 500. Introduction to Linguistics

3 Credits (3)

Survey of the main branches of linguistics: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, language acquisition, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics and some of the theoretical issues in the field.

LING 502. Graduate Study in Sociolinguistics

3 Credits (3)

Study of how social identity including factors such as ethnicity, age, gender education and socio-economic class is expressed in language systems.

Prerequisites: LING 2110G or LING 500 recommended.

LING 503. Exploring Language Systems- Grad

3 Credits (3)

Students will be responsible for all requirements of LING 303 and will undertake independent,directed research.

Prerequisite(s): LING 2110G or LING 500.

LING 505. Selected Topics

3 Credits (3)

Studies, varying from year to year, in linguistics.