Introduction to Linguistics

Course Details

Course Number: 5523  Section Number: 201

Spring 2011

Location: Bea Wood Hall

Classroom Number: 210

Days & Times:

9:30-10:50  TR

Course Attachments

Class Schedule  ENGL5523Calendar-1-20120403-153006.doc

Textbooks

The Unfolding of Language
Paperback Author: Guy Deutscher
  ISBN: 0-8050-8012-0
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. David Rankin   
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Course Objectives

1.  Ability to recognize, explain, or define major linguistic terms and constructions.

2.  Ability to analyze language using traditional, structural, and transformational approaches.

3.  Ability to recognize and differentiate among the phonological, morphological. and syntactic components of language.

4. Ability to use advanced reference works and research tools to investigate, either synchronically or diachronically, a significant language-related problem.

5.  Ability to demonstrate the pedagogical value of both theoretical and applied approaches to language, especially in teaching composition and evaluating style.


Course Expectations

3 examinations   (15% each)

A major research project (formal paper, 20%: oral presentation, 10%)

Critical book review (formal paper 15%: oral presentation, 10%).

Class participation can earn a student a maximum of three additional points on the final course average.


Grading Standards

90-100   A

80-89     B

70-79     C

60-69     D

59 or lower   F


Final Exam5/10/2011  8:00 a.m.

Submission Format Policy

Research papers and critical book reviews must adhere to the Modern Language Association's guidelines for format and style.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Papers are due at 9:30 on the day specified in the course calendar.

Late papers will be penalized one letter grade.

Papers more than 24 hours late will not be accepted.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Students should attend every class and should always complete the assigned reading before coming to class.

Any student who does miss a class must take full responsibility for all material covered in that class.


Other Policies

Drafts:  I will read and comment on as many drafts of papers as students are willing to write.

Plagiarism:  If any part of a paper is plagiarized, the paper will receive at best a grade of "F" and at worst a "0".


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.