2011-12 Catalog

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Offering Description

Language and Species

Winter 2012 quarter

Faculty
Richard McKinnon
Fields of Study
linguistics
Description
Humans often claim distinction as unique among the animals of the world.  This course examines this hypothesis from the perspective of communication.  What are the parameters that describe communication systems of all species?  What does it mean when bees dance, frogs croak, and humans speak?  What kinds of messages do members of various species communicate to each other?  Is human language qualitatively different from other forms of animal communication?  If so, how did it evolve to be so different and what does that mean about humans as a species?  We will employ the tools of linguistics, psychology, ethology, and anthropology to find answers to these questions.
Advertised Schedule
5:30-9:30p Thu
Location
Olympia
Online Learning
Enhanced Online Learning
Books
Greener Store
Offered During
Evening