General Linguistics

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

LING 401 This course is designed to provide students with a general graduate-level introduction to the scientific study of language. It is also open to advanced undergraduates. Our main goals include familiarizing you with core concepts and terminology in linguistics and with key methods and approaches to language study and how to apply them (to English and to other languages, including languages that you might know, and languages that you don’t know). We also discuss theories and research on how both first and other languages are learned by children and adults, as well as how computers are ‘taught’ to use and respond to human language. In addition, we explore how language shapes and is shaped by social, political, historical contexts, as well as personal and group identity and interpersonal relations. Throughout the course, we consider various applications of the scientific study of language, including in corporate, government, educational and legal arenas. If you are entering (or considering) a graduate program in linguistics or related field, this course will provide you with the foundation you need to succeed. If you are studying a non-native language, this course will provide you with additional tools to facilitate the learning process. Linguistics, the scientific study of language, interfaces with a wide variety of other fields (e.g., anthropology, sociology, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computer science, philosophy, politics, legal studies, and public policy), so you should be able to make important and exciting connections whatever your background and interests.