Descriptions of Upcoming LING Courses

LING 190: The World of Language I
Language as a distinctive characteristic of the human species. In this course, we examine the structure of both written and spoken forms of language across cultures, comparing them with animal communication and human gestural systems. We explore language’s neurological basis, theories of origin, and first and second-language learning.

LING 210: Introduction to Language Structures
An introduction to the relationship between form and meaning across languages; basic notions in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Practical exercises are drawn from a variety of languages. This course and LING 290 are designed as introductory courses to the Applied Linguistics major.

LING 290: Introduction to Applied Linguistics
A survey of the many areas in which the study of language intersects with the analysis of social and psychological issues. Readings and discussions on language learning and processing, bilingualism, attitudes toward language varieties, language hygiene, cryptology, natural language processing, and the structure of everyday conversation.

LING 310: Phonology and Morphology
A survey of sound systems, phonological and morphological processes across a range of languages. The principles of modern phonology and morphology are examined, and phonological and morphological data are analyzed and interpreted within those principles. Prerequisite: LING 210 or permission of the instructor.

LING 320: Syntax
The principles of the scientific description of sentences within the framework of generative grammar. Strong emphasis on the analysis of linguistic data, formulation of hypotheses, and scientific argumentation, with special reference to English and other languages. Prerequisite: MLL 190 and LING 210, or permission of the instructor.

LING 330: Language in Context
This course examines how language use determines linguistics form, that is, how the shape and meaning of an utterance is context-determined. Topics may vary from year to year to year to encompass the range from theory to methodology in language studies. Some likely topics would be speech acts theory, situational semantics, discourse and conversational analysis, and the ethnography of communication. Prerequisite: MLL 190 or 191, ENGL 206, or consent of the instructor.

LING 350: Historical Linguistics
A study of linguistic variation and change in all realms of linguistic structure: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and lexicon. Language typology and genetic affiliation among reconstructions. Extra-linguistic causes of language change (both socio-cultural and political). Writing systems and their decipherment. Prerequisite: MLL 190, LING 210, or permission of the instructor. LING 210 is highly recommended.

LING 360: Sociolinguistics and Dialectology
The ways in which forms of language vary across space, across boundaries of class and ethnicity, etc., and the ongoing processes of change that are shaping both language and social relations. Attitudes toward language diversity. Many of the concepts introduced in class are applied to a study of English as it is spoken in Maryland. Prerequisite: One of the following: MLL 190,191, LING 210, MLL 230, or permission of the instructor. LING 210 is highly recommended.

LING 410: Language Planning
This course examines the language planning choices that have been made in a variety of multilingual settings in the world, with particular reference to the role of ethnic or national identity. It also identifies the impact of those choices on the political, cultural, educational, and socioeconomic domains. Prerequisite: MLL 230, LING 290, LING 360, or permission of the instructor.

LING 450: Workshop in Applied Linguistics
A practical investigation of the structure of an uncommonly taught language. Prerequisite: LING 210 and another LING course.

LING 470: Language and Cognition
This course examines the implications of current linguistic theory and research for first and second language acquisition, language disorders, aphasia studies and speech therapy. Prerequisites: LING 310 and LING 320 or permission of instructor.

LING 490: Seminar in Applied Linguistics
Advanced research in a particular topic in applied linguistics. Students are expected to give frequent oral reports and to complete work on a theory-significant and original term paper. Prerequisite: Two LING courses at the 300 or 400 level.