Designed to familiarize students with some of the essential concepts of linguistic analysis. Suitable problem sets in English and in other languages will provide opportunities to study the basic systems of language organization-phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Additional topics include introductions to language organization in the brain, child language acquisition, language change, and language in society.

This course provides a sociolinguistic overview of Spanish in the US by examining concepts such as language ideologies, language identity, language attitudes, language maintenance and shift, the politics of language, language contact, bilingualism, the relationship of language to Latinx identities, and how language ideologies and policies reflect and shape societal views of Spanish and its speakers, race, identity, and education. This course will provide a descriptive, historical and linguistic overview of the different Spanish-English bilingual communities in the US. For instance, we will examine the use and representation of Spanish and misconceptions about Spanish varieties and Latinx communities in a wide array of contexts, including everyday speech, contemporary culture, media and the portrayal in the media, education, and policy. Reading selections will be in Spanish (for the most part) and English. Homework, projects, exams and class discussions will be strictly in Spanish.

This course will examine the history, linguistic structure, and sociocultural patterns of use of English as spoken by African Americans in the United States. We will focus on the phonology and morphosyntax that is considered unique to AAE, and discuss lexical and discursive features as well. We will cover the major debates that continue to rage within AAE scholarship, including the debates surrounding its origins and its use in education. Additional topics include AAE and hip hop, appropriation, and crossing.

Introduction to the study of the psychological processes underlying language ability. Topics covered will include the biological and evolutionary foundations of language, child and adult language acquisition, reading, and sound, word, and sentence processing. We will also consider whether language is unique to humans, whether it is innate, and the degree to which language influences thought.

Topic for 2022-23: The Spoken and Written Word

Spoken language is an innate human capability but written language is a cultural innovation and reading a learned skill. We know that learning to read depends crucially on spoken language abilities, but researchers have rarely considered how the acquisition of literacy might reshape our spoken language ability and general cognition. How has the advent of writing affected us, both as individuals and members of cultural groups? To answer this question, we will explore the cognitive, linguistic, and cultural implications of spoken and written forms of communication. We start with an overview of the field of orality and literacy studies, followed by an examination of theories of the origin of human language and the history of the development of writing. We then move to an analysis of how the brain processes the spoken and written word and how these modes of communication affect memory and reasoning. Classes will include discussions based on readings of original sources, class exercises, and lectures. Students will design their own writing system.

Designed to familiarize students with some of the essential concepts of linguistic analysis. Suitable problem sets in English and in other languages will provide opportunities to study the basic systems of language organization-phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Additional topics include introductions to language organization in the brain, child language acquisition, language change, and language in society.

The application of linguistics to the analysis of sociocultural variation in language. We will examine the way information about age, gender, social class, region, and ethnicity is conveyed by variations in the structural and semantic organization of language. We will also examine language attitude and language planning in multilingual societies.