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Spring, 2012 | Linguistics

L44 Ling 170D — Spring, 2012

Introduction to Linguistics

Language is one of the fundamental capacities of the human species, and there are many interesting and meaningful ways in which it can be studied. This course explores the core components of linguistic theory: speech sounds (phonetics and phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics). It also provides an overview of interdisciplinary ideas and research on how language is acquired and processed, its relation to the mind-brain and to society, and the question of whether the essential properties of language can be replicated outside the human mind (specifically, in chimpanzees or computer programs).
WUCrsL page
Frequency Offered: 
Twice Each Year
Credits: 
3 Units
Course Attributes: 
AS LA
BU Hum
BU BA
L44 Ling 225D — Spring, 2012

Latin and Greek in Current English

This course will provide a study of the impact of Latin and Greek on the English language through intensive study of the Latin and Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes that are most commonly found in English technical and non-technical vocabulary. Some attention will also be paid to the linguistic principles by which these elements have entered the English language.
WUCrsL page
Frequency Offered: 
Annually
Related Courses: 
L08 225D
Credits: 
3 Units
Course Attributes: 
AS LA
BU Hum
L44 Ling 242 — Spring, 2012

American Sign Language From a Psycholinguistic and Cultural Perspective

This course examines Deaf culture and aspects of psycholinguistics of a signed language versus a spoken language. This is not an American Sign Language class, whereby you finish the course knowing how to sign. However, there are two main aspects that are focused on. One focus is the importance of language to culture and the effect of being in a minority group. A second focus is on language and cognition within the context of a language in the visual modality. Current and past research serves as the foundation for the examination of what makes a signed language a true, natural, human language within members of a culture, as well as on the more cognitive aspects of spatial relations and memory. The implications of understanding cross-modal similarities and differences of human language are explored through research articles, discussion of modern technology, e.g. fMRI and BlackBerry, as well as through demonstrations.
WUCrsL page
Frequency Offered: 
Annually
Related Courses: 
L33 242
Credits: 
3 Units
Course Attributes: 
AS SS
AS SD
BU BA
L44 Ling 306G — Spring, 2012

Philosophy of Language

A survey of major philosophical problems concerning meaning, reference, and truth as they have been addressed within the analytic tradition. Readings that represent diverse positions on these focal issues will be selected from the work of leading philosophers in the field, for example: Frege, Russell, Wittgenstein, Davidson, Quine, Kripke, and Putnam. Students are encouraged to engage critically the ideas and arguments presented, and to develop and defend their own views on the core topics. Prerequisites: one course in Philosophy at the 100 or 200-level, or permission of the instructor
WUCrsL page
Frequency Offered: 
Every 1 or 2 Years
Related Courses: 
L30 306G
L64 306
Credits: 
3 Units
Course Attributes: 
AS LA
FA SSP
BU Hum
AR SSP
L44 Ling 320 — Spring, 2012

Historical and Comparative Linguistics

Historical linguistics focuses on how languages change over time. Comparative linguistics focuses on their similarities and differences. In this course we will trace some of the differences and changes in sound (phonetics and phonology) word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics). Topics include linguistic universals, the structural and genetic classification of languages, the techniques of reconstructing proto-languages, and the causes of language change. Examples from Indo-European languages (for example, Greek, English, and Spanish) and from Native American languages (for example, Quechua and Mayan) will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Ling 170D.
WUCrsL page
Frequency Offered: 
Every 2 Years
Related Courses: 
L64 320
Credits: 
3 Units
Course Attributes: 
AS LA
BU BA
L44 Ling 341 — Spring, 2012

Linguistic Diversity in the United States

Linguistic diversity has always existed within the United States, and this course begins with a survey of many of the indigenous Native American languages that existed prior to European colonization. The emphasis of this course is linguistic research, as we examine diverse studies of language across the nation with respect to regional differences, racial and ethnic differences, historical differences, and differences in education and economic status. American bilingualism is explored, as are many of the dialects that have evolved in different parts of the nation. Students study a range of sophisticated linguistic analyses of language diversity in different parts of the USA at different points in the nation's history. The culmination of the course explores practical linguistic applications in legal and educational contexts. Prereq: Ling 170D and some familiarity with elementary statistics.
WUCrsL page
Frequency Offered: 
Every 1 or 2 Years
Credits: 
3 Units
Course Attributes: 
AS SS
AS SD
FA SSP
BU BA
L44 Ling 396 — Spring, 2012

Linguistics Seminar: Phonological Processes in Optimality Theory

This course focuses on the analysis of phonological processes within the framework of Optimality Theory. Through assignments and a semester project, students will learn how to test and evaluate Optimality Theoretic accounts of phonological processes, and they will gain experience in constructing their own accounts. Topics of investigation include assimilation, dissimilation, epenthesis, deletion, syllabification, reduplication, and stress and tone assignment. Prerequisites: Ling 170D and Ling 313 or permission of the instructor.
WUCrsL page
Frequency Offered: 
None
Related Courses: 
L64 396
Credits: 
3 Units
Course Attributes: 
AS TH
L44 Ling 408 — Spring, 2012

Psychology of Language

This course surveys current research and theory in psycholinguistics, covering the biological bases, cognitive bases, and learning of language. We consider studies of normal children and adults, the performance of individuals with various types of language disorders, and computer simulations of language processes. Topics range from the perception and production of speech sounds to the management of conversations. Each student will carry out an original research project on some aspect of psycholinguistics. Limited to 30 students. PREREQ: Ling 170D and Psych 100B
WUCrsL page
Frequency Offered: 
Annually
Related Courses: 
L33 433
L64 408
Credits: 
3 Units
Course Attributes: 
AS SS
FA SSP
AR SSP
L44 Ling 4130 — Spring, 2012

Linguistics and Language Learning

The course, taught in English, provides a critical survey of various components involved in the relationship between linguistics and language learning. The course emphasizes the language learner and explores dimensions of second language acquisition. The course begins with an examination of linguistic theories and then highlights the influence of linguistic theories on L2 acquisition research. The course then moves to an exploration of research on language and the brain. With this foundation, the course covers both internal and external factors related to language acquisition, such as language aptitude, age, gender, memory, prior knowledge, etc. In summary, theoretical and research dimensions of both linguistics and language learning are treated. This course counts as a requirement for the Graduate Certificate in Language Instruction and for the Undergraduate Minor in Applied Linguistics. This course carries the Social Science attribute. Prereq: Ling 170 is recommended but not required.
L44 Ling 466 — Spring, 2012

Second Language Acquisition

There are many ways in which a second language can be learned: from infancy as the child of bilingual parents, or later through formal instruction, immersion in a new culture, or in a particular work or social situation. This class is an inquiry into the processes by which acquisition occurs. Topics include the nature of language learning within the scope of other types of human learning; the relationship between first and second language acquisition; the role of linguistic, cognitive, and sociocultural factors; insights gained from analyzing learners' errors; key concepts such as interlanguage and communicative competence; bilingualism; the optimal age for second language acquisition; and a critical appraisal of different theories of second language acquisition. Both theoretical and instructional implications of second language acquisition research are considered. This course can be used towards certification in TESOL and is a required course for the Graduate Certificate in Language Instruction. Prerequisite: Ling 170D or equivalent is recommended, especially for undergraduates, but is not required.