SPAU 4925: Linguistics

Abstract

Course Description: This course will serve as a general introduction to the study of linguistics, the scientific study of human language. We will first focus on the major core subfields (including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics,) and then learn about some specific branches of the field (sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, historical linguistics, language acquisition.) You will have the opportunity to explore individual areas of interest within the field, as well. The knowledge that you acquire through this course should give you a new perspective on language and heighten your sensitivity to the power of language.¶ COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to: 1) identify and describe the various building blocks of language. 2) explain the role of language diversity in society. 3) understand how languages change over time. 4) understand how linguistics is used in a variety of careers. 5) proceed to more advanced coursework in linguistics.