The Department is able to offer only a few linguistics courses,
but these courses complement literature and writing courses through
their close study of language. English 209 and 360 are required of
all English Education Majors.
209 Introduction to Linguistics
Entry-level knowledge for the scientific study of language,
including such topics as phonetics, phonology, morphology,
semantics, grammar, social and cultural dimensions, acquisition,
variation and similarities among languages of the world, and
related cultural history. Cross-listed with ANTH. Generally offered
every fall semester.
360 Grammatical Structure
Examines the system of the English sentence. Emphasis on structures
and components with attention to application in teaching, stylistic
analysis, and editing. Generally offered every spring semester.
452/652 History of the English Language
Development of the English language from its Germanic origins to
the modern period. To be offered Spring 2008; no predictable
schedule for this course.
453/653 Social and Regional Varieties of
English
Study of sociological factors as they relate to language (American
English). Examines region, age, gender, ethnicity, self-identity,
situation, profession, etc. and their relation to pronunciation,
word choice, politeness, formality, turn-taking, etc. Students
conduct original research. No predictable schedule for this
course.
454/654 Language Bias
Application of current linguistic, rhetorical, and literary theory
to examine and analyze the ways in which the social asymmetries of
gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity are reflected and sustained
through discourse practices. Generally offered every second fall
semester, odd years.