Linguistics

Linguistics Courses

Wood engraving by Margarita Philosophica Nova, published in 1512 by J. Gruninger, depicts the institution of languages, with God distributing the various languages to the world.

… are for anyone interested in getting to know LANGUAGE as a critical attribute of humans.  Without LANGUAGE we cannot think, plan, experience our surroundings and socialize. LANGUAGE defines individuals, ethnic and other groups, and nations.

Our LINGUISTICS courses offer introductions to three essential linguistic concepts: language system, language change and language contact.

In LINGUISTICS courses students analyze language data, solve puzzles in language usage of various languages, draw conclusions, speculate about outcomes, and build hypotheses.

The College supports a Linguistics minor but the students can build a self-designed major as well in Linguistics, drawing upon their study of foreign languages, as well as courses in Philosophy, Anthropology, Human Development, Math, Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, English and others.

LIN 110: Introduction to Linguistics

This course studies language as a system of signs, sound patterns and structures made of words.  It investigates the meaning behind them, and explores language universals and language families of the world.  The focus is on describing how languages operate and on building theories about it.  The course emphasizes problem solving: Linguistic problems and puzzles reveal the true nature of language and equip us with knowledge useful in the study of any foreign language. Linguistics 110-06 Syllabus , Linguistics 110-06 Schedule

LIN 155: Language Power

seeks to explain the power invested in language from various perspectives.  It strives to break down preconceptions about grammar and dispel fears of learning foreign languages.  The course investigates language origin as tied to the origin of MAN as well as language acquisition, and tackles grammar as the defining principle of language.  It questions the power of major languages and the status of those with fewer speakers.  It considers the position of today’s English in the world. 2004 Syllabus

LIN 273: Story of Language

is an introduction to historical linguistics. The focus is on social, historical, economic factors that influence language change, on basic principles governing the laws of language change, and on the comparative study of genetically related languages. Story of Language 08 Schedule, Story of Language 08 Syllabus

LIN 371: Sociolinguistics

The course is an introduction to the study of language in its social settings. Students must know at least one foreign language and be interested in looking for answers to the question what language is and how it defines the individual and society. The course examines issues of language as power, its role in establishing contacts, creating conflicts, and political dominance, as well as bilingualism, diglossia, speech communities, and other functions of language in society. Sociolinguistics 07 Schedule, Sociolinguistics 07 Syllabus

These courses are taught by Professor Eva Eckert