Syntax I

Introduction to the formal study of syntax in natural language from a cognitive perspective, exploring & modeling the human cognitive faculty responsible for building & maintaining complex syntactic structures in the mind.

Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition

Presents an introduction to and survey of linguistic research in second language acquisition, with an aim of understanding the complex processes and mechanisms underlying the acquisition of a second language. Different methodologies and theoretical models are discussed and evaluated.

Introductory Linguistics

Introduction to the scientific study of human language by surveying a number of domains/levels that are central to linguistic theory (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, language acquisition, sociolinguistics), with illustrations from typologically diverse languages.

Language & Mind

This class explores language as a fundamental aspect of human cognition that permeates every aspect of our life. Topics investigated include language & thought, linguistic relativity, language processing, acquisition, & neurolinguistics.

Linguistics for Educators (Introduction to Linguistic Science)

Provides an introduction to the study of language ‘from phonology to ideology’, with a goal to provide a foundation for applying linguistics in educational contexts. This course is built on the idea that knowing how languages work can be recruited by educators for the benefit of their students. Since language mediates students’ lives and learning experiences, this course helps to equip educators so that they may apply linguistic concepts and theory in the classroom, both in terms of teacher-student interactions and in curriculum development.

The Structure of Kaqchikel Mayan

An in-depth exploration of Kaqchikel, one of 27 Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala today. Discusses a variety of linguistic features and structural properties, such as ergativity and antipassivization, as well as issues pertaining to sociocultural linguistics, including ideology, identity, and revitalization.

Language in Culture & Society

This course goes beyond seeing language as a set of rules and procedures generating grammatical utterances and investigates language use in social contexts. Taking the perspective of linguistic anthropology, this class focuses on language use as seen through a cultural lens.

Language & the Internet

Examines practical and theoretical issues associated with language on the Internet and other computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems and technologies on a variety of different devices. Focuses on the analysis of language practices on the Internet and text messaging systems, social structures that emerge when people use these applications, and design and implementation issues associated with constructing CMC technologies.