Introduction to Linguistics

Course Overview

This semester-long course provides students with the foundational knowledge of the scientific study of language. It introduces six major areas of linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, sociolinguistics, and pragmatics. The course combines lectures, discussions, quizzes, and hands-on activities to examine the sounds of human speech, the structure of words and sentences, and the relationship between language and society. By taking the class, students will develop foundational linguistic skills and knowledge, enhancing their writing and communication skills and preparing them for further linguistic study. 

Students learn to dissect utterances into their constituent parts (e.g. phonemes, morphemes, noun phrases, etc.) and articulate the relationships between language and its historical, cultural, social, and cognitive contexts. The course will be accessible to students of all grade levels, with students completing weekly assignments and quizzes that ask them to apply what they’ve learned from the readings and videos. During most weeks, they will participate in discussions and activities designed to illustrate concepts in linguistic analysis and to introduce them to various aspects of language study. Students will complete asynchronous work throughout the week, such as discussion boards and collaborative projects. Development of these skills will give students a unique perspective on language and its manifestation in writing and speaking.