104. First Year Seminar (Introductory Composition).
(4). (Introductory Composition).
Section 001 - The Literate Imagination. This course explores the role
of literacy (reading and writing) in our lives, throughout history, and
in different cultures. To accomplish this we read autobiographies and historical
accounts as well as visit such campus resources as the Kelsey Museum of
Archaeology and the Rare Book Room. (Keller-Cohen)
112. Languages of the World. (3). (SS).
Language is a central concern of humankind and with good reason. As
the conduit for most communicative and expressive needs as well as other
tasks, it pervades virtually every aspect of human existence. Few realize,
however, how truly rich the linguistic universe is until they consider the
variety of distinct linguistic devices and practices employed by speakers
of the 5000+ individual languages that have been identified to date. Appreciating
and being able to explain the range of variety of spoken and written language
among various peoples of the world is an essential key to understanding
human culture and diversity. This course systematically addresses many of
the questions which most fascinate us about language, thus widening our
intercultural horizons and enhancing our sophistication about our own language
and culture. It therefore serves those who wish to learn about both our
own and other societies, particular languages or regions of the world, and
the nature of the human mind. (Sands)
210. Introduction to Linguistics. (3). (SS).
Nothing is more distinctly human than our ability to use language. Because
of that, we expect that the study of language can provide insight into "human
nature." This course is an analytic introduction to the methods linguists
use for describing languages (although general training in analytic thought
is our ultimate goal). Drawing on examples from a large number of the world's
languages, we will look at the sounds of language, how they are produced,
and how they pattern into words; we will study the diverse ways in which
individual languages approach processes of word and sentence formation,
while we ask whether there are processes universal to all languages. By
focusing simultaneously on language data and on the techniques used by linguists
to make sense of these data, we will see that our understanding of the object
of inquiry (language) is influenced by our methods of inquiry. Requirements
include problem-solving assignments, quiz(zes), midterm and final exams;
no prerequisite except an interest in language and thinking. (Toon)
211. Introduction to Language. (3). (SS).
From time immemorial human beings have been curious about language -
about its structure, its diversity, its use, and its effects on others.
In this course, we will explore the human capacity for language, beginning
with the ways language differs from animal communication and with how children
acquire language. We will then review major aspects of language structure
(sounds, words, sentences) and apply them to discussions of current dialects
of English such as Black English. After a brief investigation of the relationship
between language and thought, we will consider social attitudes toward language.
Here we will debate questions such as: Is sign language a real language
or just pantomime? What is "Standard English" and is it better
than "dialects" of English? Is there any linguistic evidence supporting
the notion of English as a racist and sexist language or is this notion
purely an imaginary construct devised to create controversy? The course
concludes with an examination of American Sign Language and its role in
Deaf culture. Course work includes eight short homework assignments, one
midterm, and a final exam. (van Hoek)