Introduction to Linguistic Theory

Linguistics 201
Fall 2003, Lecture Section 8
TuTh 1.00-2.15, Herter 209
 
Instructor: Meredith Landman
Email: landman@linguist.umass.edu
Office: 501 South College
Office hours: Tu 2.30-3.30

Course description. This course is an introduction to linguistics, the scientific study of human language. We will focus on some basic questions about human language: How is the structure of language best described? Are there properties which all languages share, and what do those properties tell us about language itself? What do we actually know when we know a language?

For most of the semester we will concentrate on the main areas of linguistic theory: sounds and their patterns (phonetics, phonology), words (morphology), sentences (syntax), and meaning (semantics). We will also spend some time talking about how children acquire language (language acquisition) and how languages vary (language typology) and change (historical linguistics).

Course requirements and grading.

• Homework (40%). Homework assignments will teach you how to do linguistics more than anything else. You will generally be given a week to complete an assignment. Late assignments will NOT be accepted. You may work together, as long as you: (i) write the name of the person who you worked with at the top of the page below yours; (ii) write up the assignment you turn in on your own.
  
• Exams (40%). There will be four exams (on Morphology, Phonetics, Phonology, and Syntax, respectively). There will be no make-up exams. If for some reason you absolutely cannot make it to an exam, you must let me know in advance.
  
• Attendance and Participation (20%). To do well in this course it is essential that you attend all classes. Lectures will frequently cover material not available in the textbook. If you become sick or other trouble prevents you from attending class, please let me know ahead of time.

Most of the material handed out in class will be available on the course website. I will also be updating the course schedule (on the schedule page) as the course progresses - please check in for updates (on test dates, schedule changes, posted homework assignments, etc.)

Required text. Linguistics. An Introduction to Linguistic Theory. Edited by V. Fromkin, 2000, Blackwell.

Academic Honesty. Be aware of university regulations on academic honesty. Ask me when in doubt. The following are considered to be cheating:

• copying or sharing all or part of a homework assignment;
• copying answers from books;
• copying or sharing information during an exam.