Introduction to some basic mathematical concepts and techniques central to linguistic theory. Set theory, logic and formal systems, modern algebra, automata theory, and model theory. Applications to syntax, phonology, semantics. No prior mathematics assumed.

Provides hands-on experience in linguistic analysis. Students elicit language data from the speaker of an unfamiliar language, both in class and individually. Under the guidance of the instructor, students analyze various aspects of the phonology and syntax of the language.

Introduction to the field of phonology and the sound patterns of human language. Emphasizes the development of analytic skills through problem sets. Includes discussion of recent developments in phonological theory, particularly Optimality Theory.

Introduction to syntactic theory, with implications for universal grammar and grammatical theory in general. Topics include theories of phrase structure, the form and functioning of transformations, grammatical relations, anaphora and control, word order problems, universals of grammar, relations between grammatical theory and learnability, language acquisition. Honors option may be available. Prerequisite: LINGUIST 201.

This course is for students who would like to design their own acquisition experiment - or play a primary role in an ongoing research project. Students will be asked to make presentations at every stage from theoretical background, hypothesis, early pilot design, and then carry out at least a pilot.. Students are invited to speak to the professor before enrolling.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

Not available at this time

Not available at this time

This course investigates the language used in advertisements. Advertisements are designed to persuade us to do things. Our focus will be on how advertisers use language to convey meanings, how they appeal to our emotions and elicit humor. We will examine concrete examples and use basic concepts from linguistic theory to understand the properties of persuasive language and the kinds of meanings that are at play.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.