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Linguistics Courses

Linguistics

201-202-203/301-302-303. Introduction to Linguistics I, II, III (=Anthro 270-1,-2,-3/370-1,-2,-3; SocSci 217-218-219). PQ: Must be taken in sequence. This course is an introductory survey of methods, findings, and problems in areas of major interest within linguistics and the relationship of linguistics to other disciplines. Topics include the biological basis of language, basic notions of syntax, semantics, pragmatics, basic syntactic typology of language, phonetics, phonology, morphology, language acquisition, linguistic variation, and linguistic change. A. Dahlstrom, Autumn; R. Janda, Winter; K. Kazazis, Spring.

204-205/304-305. Syntax I, II (=Anthro 378-379). PQ: Ling 201, 202, 203, or equivalent. Must be taken in sequence. This two-quarter sequence is devoted to detailed study of the major syntactic phenomena of English, combined with exposition and critical evaluation of the principal accounts of phenomena proposed by transformational grammarians and the theoretical frameworks within which those accounts are developed. Class discussion focuses on ideas advanced in or arising out of transformational grammar with regard to the relation between syntax and semantics and the psychological status of linguistic analyses. J. Sadock, Autumn; J. McCawley, Winter.

206/306. Phonetics (=Anthro 377). PQ: Ling 201, 202, 203, or consent of instructor. An introduction to the study of speech sounds. Speech sounds are described with respect to their articulatory, acoustic, and perceptual structures. There are laboratory exercises both in phonetic transcription and in the acoustic analysis of speech sounds. K. Landahl. Autumn.

208/308. Phonology I (=Anthro 373). PQ: Ling 201, 202, 203, 206, or equivalent. An introduction to general principles of phonology, with emphasis on nongenerative theory. Staff. Winter.

209/309. Phonology II (=Anthro 376). PQ: Ling 208. The principles of generative phonology are introduced and studied in detail, emphasizing the role of formalism and abstractness in phonological analysis. The emphasis is on Sound Pattern of English theory, with brief discussion of more recent autosegmental and metrical models. R. Janda. Spring.

210/310. Morphology and Syntax (=Anthro 374). PQ: Ling 208. This course deals with linguistic structure and patterning beyond the phonological level, primarily from a structuralist point of view. It concentrates on analysis of grammatical and formal oppositions and their structural relationships and interrelationships. H. Aronson. Spring.

212. Language in Culture and Society (=Anthro 272). PQ: Open to undergraduates only. This course is an intensive introduction to the study of language as communicative practice. Topics include linguistic structure, its relation to other sign systems, speech acts, approaches to "context," varieties of interaction, and basic elements of a practice approach. W. Hanks. Winter.

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213/313. Historical Linguistics (=Anthro 473). PQ: Ling 206, 208, 209, or consent of instructor. This course concerns linguistic change and variation and the theory of genetic comparison and reconstruction. G. Gragg. Autumn.

217/317. Experimental Phonetics. PQ: Consent of instructor. Each year a particular topic in physiological, acoustic, or auditory phonetics is selected for detailed investigation. K. Landahl. Winter.

270. Culture and Cognition: Linguistic Relativity (=Anthro 278, Psych 249). PQ: Open to undergraduates only. Some prior knowledge of linguistics or cognitive studies strongly recommended. Understanding language both as a systematic representation of the thinkable and as a systematic way of inhabiting a universe of social action, we review how modern social and cognitive scientists have dealt with the implications of the formal variability of language. We consider both cross-linguistic, cross-societal implications and the significance of register-based social variability of language within linguistic communities. M. Silverstein. Spring.

288/388. Languages of Europe. PQ: Two years of a European language other than English, or consent of instructor. The course examines Europe as a linguistic area. We discuss language versus dialect, linguistic convergence as a result of language contact, and traits common to various groups of European languages. K. Kazazis. Winter.

290. Informal Course. PQ: Consent of instructor and adviser. Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. Staff. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

376. Psychology of Language (=Psych 376). PQ: One year of linguistics or consent of instructor. Topics include language production and comprehension, acquisition, language and thought, language use, gestures, language in nonhuman species, and language in artificial systems. D. McNeill. Spring.

Languages in Linguistics

101-102-103. American Sign Language. American Sign Language is the language of the deaf in the United States and much of Canada. It is a full-fledged autonomous language, unrelated to English or other spoken languages. This introductory course teaches the student basic vocabulary and grammatical structure, as well as aspects of deaf culture. D. Ronchen. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

104-105-106. Intermediate American Sign Language. D. Ronchen. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

201-202-203. Introductory Modern Hebrew I, II, III (=Hebrew 201-202-203). Staff. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

204-205-206. Intermediate Modern Hebrew I, II, III (=Hebrew 204-205-206). Staff. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

221-222-223/321-322-323. Elementary Georgian I, II, III. H. Aronson. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

230. Language, Power, and Identity in Southeastern Europe: A Linguistic View of the Balkan Crisis (=Anthro 274, GnSlav 230/330, Hum 274). Language is a key issue in the articulation of ethnicity and the struggle for power in southeastern Europe. This course familiarizes students with the linguistic histories and structures that have served as bases for the formation of modern Balkan ethnic identities and that are being manipulated to shape current and future events. The course is informed by the instructor's experience as an adviser for the United Nations Protection Forces in the former Yugoslavia, as well as his twenty years of linguistic fieldwork in the Balkans. V. Friedman. Autumn.

346-347-348. Intermediate Rumanian (=Rumani 201-202-203/310-311-312). K. Kazazis. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

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