Overview |
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This course is an introduction to the complex system all human beings possess – language. We begin by looking in detail at the major components of language structure such as phonetics, morphology, and syntax in order to build a base on which to discuss further linguistic topics – including child language learning and adult (second) language learning. We will see that languages, while superficially diverse, are fundamentally similar and that there are universal rules governing language. We won’t just be reading about language; there will be many problems to solve with real linguistic data from English and other languages.
Prerequisites:
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Objectives |
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If you do well in this course, you will be able to:
- Discuss language myths and fact;
- Describe the biological bases of language;
- Identify word classes;
- Understand the principles of making larger words from smaller words and pieces;
- Understand various word-formation processes;
- Distinguish between inflectional and derivational morphology;
- Understand English phrase structure;
- Diagram English sentences with modern syntactic tree;
- Explain syntactic errors with linguistic terminology;
- Understand structural ambiguity as it relates to syntax;
- Understand linguistic meaning at the word and sentence level;
- Describe the articulation of consonants and vowels;
- Divide words into units of sound;
- Transcribe English using the International Phonetic Alphabet;
- Describe various phonological processes;
- Understand key components of first and second language acquisition;
- Describe different English dialects;
- Understand the relationship between social contexts and language.
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Materials |
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Grading |
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Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)
Assignment |
Percentage of Grade |
Discussion Board Posts |
20% |
Homework Assignments |
35% |
3 Exams |
45% |
Your final grade may be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least several exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.
Grading Scale |
A |
90-100% |
B |
80-89% |
C |
70-79% |
D |
600-69% |
F |
<60% |
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Exams |
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There are three (3) online exams in this course. All three exams need to be taken to pass this course.
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ELI Policies and Procedures |
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Beginning the Course |
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Last Updated:
August 22, 2011
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