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Linguistics for Teachers and Writers

TESC/E&W Studies

Sumer 12Syllabus

Instructor: Rick McKinnon, Ph.D.

Email: mckinnor@evergreen.edu

Time: Thurs., 5:30 pm. 8:00 pm.

Course Description: Language is the most salient behavior distinguishing humans from other

animals. This course will investigate this surprising and sophisticated instinct by looking carefully

at the knowledge entailed by its use. In doing so, we will develop the linguistic tools necessary to

explore the various levels of description found in human language (phonetics, phonology,

morphology, syntax and semantics), coming away with an appreciation for the exquisite complexity

of this behavior. Participants will become familiar with the terminology associated with linguistic

analysis, as well as the style of argumentation within the field. The course will focus on making

explicit the ways in which innate knowledge and environmental input combine to create human

linguistic ability. This course is crucial for students who wish to do further work in communication,

linguistics, computer science, anthropology, psychology and education.

Required Texts:

OSU Linguistics Faculty. Language Files, 11th Ed. (2011). Ohio State University. Columbus, OH:

OSU Press.

Pinker, S. (1994). The Language Instinct. NY: Basic Books.

Web Resources:

http://www.linguist.org/

http://www.sil.org/linguistics/

http://www.ling.ohio-state.edu/publications/files/

Course Requirements: In addition to contributing to class discussion, participants will be required to

complete weekly study guides. Study guides will include exercises, questions for discussion, analytical

problems, and essential concepts. Participants will work on exercises in small groups during class andwill individually complete (in writing) the assignments detailed in each study guide and return their

work the following week. Each participants work will be evaluated based on the following

components:

Contribution to discussion of readings. Completion of study guides. Peer-reviewed self-assessment.

Each participant will bring a written self-assessment on the 9th week, describing in detail how s/he has

progressed in meeting the goals and objectives of the course as outlined in file 1.1. This self-

assessment will be shared and discussed within a peer group. Participants will then bring a revised

version on the 10th week for submission to the instructor. The self-assessment will constitute the most

comprehensive description of the participants work, and will contribute to the participants course

evaluation for the quarter.

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Course Schedule

*All readings should be completed before class on the week they are assigned.*

Topic Readings: Lang. Files Pinker

Week 1: Language as instinct. Chs. 1, 14 Ch. 1, 2

Week 2: Language and thought; Ch. 2 Ch. 3, 6

Phonetics: the production of speech.

Week 3: Phonology: patterns of sounds. Ch. 3 Ch. 9

Week 4: Morphology: words and their parts. Ch. 4 Ch. 5

Week 5: Basic concepts of syntax. Ch. 5 Ch. 4

Week 6: Syntax: phrases and sentences. Ch. 5 Ch. 4

Week 7: Semantics Ch. 6

Week 8: Pragmatics: making of meaning. Ch. 7 Ch. 7

Week 9: Language and the brain. Ch. 9 Ch. 10

Week 10: Language change and diversity. Ch. 10 Chs. 8, 12

*All readings should be completed before class on the week they are assigned.*