Lower-Division

An introduction to the major areas, problems, and techniques of modern linguistics.

Introduction to the logical foundations of natural language semantics. Logical and semantic relations, simple set theory, logical representations (propositional and predicate calculi, modal and tense logics) and their interpretations. A basic literacy course in the language of logical representation.

The study of language from a sociological perspective. Multilingualism, language change and variation, pidgins and creoles, the origin and diversification of dialects.

Examines how the properties of human languages can be used to understand how the mind works and to what extent language use and experience can affect how we think. Topics covered include: human language vs. other forms of animal communication, language deficits and impairments, how language experience shapes perception, the nature of language acquisition, and the extent to which cross-linguistic variation affects other kinds of cognition. The course also provides historical context of the development of modern language science, with a critical overview of Noam Chomsky's linguistics.

Comprehensive overview of the human voice, concentrating on its paralinguistic and sociolinguistic functions. Topics include: laryngeal anatomy, voice acoustics, emotional expression, singing, and vocal pathologies. A major theme is the interaction of race, ethnicity, and gender in vocal expression, racial and ethnic profiling of voices, and how all of this relates to current issues in human-computer interaction and social media.

Considers invented languages, including Elvish and Klingon, as well as lesser-known ones that tackle ethical, social, or cognitive concerns. Students learn tools from contemporary linguistics to analyze language structures and understand how they relate to creator intentions.

Investigates the ways quantitive methods are used, including probability and statistics, to make predictions about language and to model central aspects of language, including form, meaning, and use. Course explores the thousands of years of these approaches, covering topics including code-breaking, modeling word meaning, neural network models, and large language models (LLMs), among many others. Also explores how these approaches can be used to help model how people process language.

Explores indigenous experiences in Mesoamerica, focusing on the role of language in the formation of indigenous identities, both historically and in contemporary society. Also considers the linguistic correlates of inequalities experienced by indigenous communities since European contact. Students learn about some of the unique features of Mesoamerican indigenous languages, but no prior experience with linguistics is presumed.

A general overview of the major areas, problems, and techniques of modern linguistics. This course is not suitable for majors in the Linguistics Department.

A systematic study of the elements of English words: besides the practical goal of vocabulary consolidation and expansion, explores the historical origin and development of word elements, as well as their sound, meaning, and function in the contemporary language.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.