SYLLABUS- Spring 2007

Introduction to Language: Linguistics 200G-M01 (10:30-11:20 a.m.); M02 (8:30-9:20 a.m.)

BD 170A

Required Text

The Study of Language (3^nd Ed.) 2006. George Yule. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge UK.

Course Objectives

This course provides an introduction to the science of language and explores the applications of this knowledge. The first half of the course will be devoted to exploring the basic concepts in various linguistic fields (e.g. morphology, phonetics, phonology, syntax). The latter half of the course will be devoted to the applications of these basic concepts in broader areas of linguistic interest (e.g. language variation, psycholinguistics, pragmatics, language history and change, child language acquisition, and second language acquisition).

Course Goals

To provide students with an active knowledge of general linguistics (morphology, syntax, and phonology)

To introduce students to basic concepts of the major areas of applied linguistics

To assist students to make connections between the study of linguistics and their everyday lives

To encourage students to develop critical thinking skills by applying linguistic knowledge to practical

examples

Place of Course in General Education Core Curriculum

This course has been certified as one in New Mexico State University’s General Education Core Curriculum (GECC). The GECC attempts to foster intelligent inquiry, abstract logical thinking, critical analysis and the integration and synthesis of knowledge; it strives for literacy in writing, reading, speaking and listening; it teaches mathematical structures, acquainting students with precise abstract thought about numbers and space; it encourages an understanding of science and scientific inquiry; it provides a historical consciousness, including an understanding of one’s own heritage as well as respect for other peoples and cultures; it includes an examination of values and stresses the importance of a carefully considered values system; it fosters an appreciation of the arts; and general education provides the breadth necessary to have a familiarity with the various branches of human understanding.

Course Components

Class activities will include short lectures, discussions, pair and small group activities, and problem solving activities. Students will be responsible for all in-class group exercises as well as out-of-class assignments. As many in-class exercises will utilize activities and/or concepts from the text, it is strongly recommended that the text be brought to class on a daily basis. Additionally, students are expected to prepare all readings and homework assignments prior to class. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of all assignments and deadlines.

A two-page (typewritten, double-spaced) article review is required from each student. Please see WEB-CT for details and suggestions. Due date is listed on calendar. A letter grade penalty will be assessed for each day the project is turned in after the beginning of the class meeting of the due date.

Journals will be written in class in response to a prompt given by instructor. Completed journals will be defined as 90% of entries on appropriate topics. Submissions of journals is optional (see grading criteria below).

Grading Criteria

Exams (Average of 4 exams) 60%

Article Review 20%

Final Exam (10 extra points for journal) 20%

Numerical Grading Scale

90-100% A

80-89% B

70-79% C

60-69% D

Below 60 F

Letter Grading Scale

3.5-4 A

2.5-3.4 B

1.5-2.4 C

.6-1.4 D

Below .6 F

Final grades will be calculated using both a numerical and a letter scale, and students will receive the higher of the two grades.

Attendance: Because learning is a cumulative process, and because student absences and tardies affect the class climate, attendance will be a component of the final grade. Excused absences will be accepted for the following circumstances only: (1) a written doctor’s excuse (2) an authorized NMSU activity (see Make-up Work below). Unexcused absences will become part of the final course grade as follows:

0-6 absences- No grade penalty.

7-14 absences-One letter grade will be deducted from the final course grade.

15 absences - Failing course grade regardless of other grades earned.

Tardies will be recorded for students arriving after role is taken. Absences will be changed to tardies if student informs instructor immediately after class in question. Two tardies equal one absence.

Make-up work

Students are responsible for all work missed.  Exams can only be made up upon presentation of documentation of a medical emergency or an authorized NMSU activity.  For the latter, the sponsor of the activity will give written notification of the absence before the event.   The work must then be submitted prior to the scheduled absence. Arrangements for making up an exam are the student’s responsibility.

Academic Regulations

All work presented in this course must be solely the product of the individual student. Copying, cheating or handing in identical work on any assignment will be considered academic misconduct and will result in appropriate administrative action. In addition, the student is expected to be familiar with all NMSU regulations as published in the Undergraduate Catalog as well as in the Student Code of Conduct section of the Student Handbook. Students wishing to drop this course must take individual responsibility for doing so by the date specified in the NMSU calendar.

Students with Disabilities

If you have or believe you have a disability, you may wish to self-identify.  You can do so by providing documentation to the Office of Disabled Student Programs located at Corbett Center (Ph: 646-6840). Appropriate accommodations may then be provided for you.  Also, if you have a condition which may affect your ability to exit safely from the premises in an emergency or which may cause an emergency during class, you are encouraged to discuss this in confidence with the instructor and/or the director of the Disabled Students Programs. If you have general questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), call the ADA Coordinator at 646-3635.
 

Important Dates

January 30 Last day to add classes

March 12  Last day to drop with a ‘W’

March 19-23 Spring Break

April 6 Spring Holiday

April 20 Last day to withdraw from the University