The Science of Language

Instructor: Richard McKinnon, Ph.D.
Email: mckinnon.rick@comcast.net
Time: Tues. 5:30 am. – 9:30 pm.
Classroom: Sem II E3109 (first class – 1/9)

Course Description: Language is the most salient behavior that distinguishes humans from other animals; thus homo loquens is no less suitable a name for our species than homo sapiens, and is probably more accurate.  This course will investigate this sophisticated instinct by comparing it to other forms of adaptive complexity found in the animal kingdom.  We will acquire the linguistic tools necessary to explore the various levels of description found in human language (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics), coming away with an appreciation for the exquisite complexity of this behavior.  Participants will become familiar with the terminology associated with linguistic analysis, as well as the style of argumentation within the field.  The course will focus on making explicit the ways in which innate knowledge and environmental input combine to create human linguistic ability.  This course is crucial for students who wish to do further work in communication, linguistics, computer science, anthropology, psychology and education.

Required Texts:
OSU Linguistics Faculty. Language Files, 9th Ed. (2004). Ohio State University. Columbus, OH: OSU Press.
Pinker, S. (1994). The Language Instinct. NY: Basic Books.

Web Resources:   

http://www2.evergreeen.edu/scienceoflanguage/ (course website)
http://www.linguist.org/
http://www.sil.org/linguistics/
http://www.ling.ohio-state.edu/publications/files/

Course Requirements: In addition to contributing to class discussion, participants will be required to complete weekly study guides.  Study guides will include exercises, questions for discussion, analytical problems, and essential concepts. Participants will work on exercises in small groups during class and will individually complete (in writing) the assignments detailed in each study guide and return their work the following week.  Each participant’s work will be evaluated based on the following components:

1. Contribution to discussion of readings.
2. Completion of study guides.  
3. Peer-reviewed self-assessment.

Each participant will bring a written self-assessment on the 9th week, describing in detail how s/he has progressed in meeting the goals and objectives of the course as outlined in file 1.1.  This self-assessment will be shared and discussed within a peer group.  Participants will then bring a revised version on the 10th week for submission to the instructor.  The self-assessment will constitute the most comprehensive description of the participant’s work, and will contribute to the participant’s course evaluation for the quarter.