I. ASCRC General Education Form
Group
Group XII Social Science
Dept/Program
Linguistics
Course #
LIING U 270
Course Title
Prerequisite
3
Introduction to Linguistics
None
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Date
Instructor
Phone / Email
Mizuki Miyashita
x5164
mizuki.miyashita@umontan
a.edu
Program Chair
Tully Thibeau (Linguistics)
John Douglas
(Anthropology)
Dean
Gerald Fetz, CAS
III. Description and purpose of the course: General Education courses must be introductory
and foundational. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/gened/GEPreamble_final.htm
This course introduces the field of linguistics. It is a survey class that covers the basics of
phonetics (sound), phonology (sound distribution), morphology (word formation), and syntax
(phrase structure), as well as exploring language in terms of the following contexts: geographic
variations, social-economic variations, language acquisition, language change, and natural
language processing. The course introduces the method of examining qualitative data from
examples gathered from existing languages.
IV. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
1. systematically study individuals, groups, or This course introduces student to the
social institutions;
structure of human language. The course
looks at how an individual constructs and
uses language, and it also looks at social
groups determined by geography (regional
dialects), language communities (Native
American languages and other non-English
languages), and groups determined by other
factors (age, sex, and occupation).
2. analyze individuals, groups, or social
The course analyzes the linguistic structures
problems and structures; and/or
of several different languages.
3. give considerable attention to ways in which
conclusions and generalizations are
developed and justified as well as the
methods of data collection and analysis.
The course introduces the method of data
collection, linguistic analysis, data
description, data generalization and data
analysis.
V. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
1. Describe the nature, structure, and historical Students will be able to describe the
development of human behavior,
function of human language (nature of
organizations, social phenomena, and/or
language), how sounds, words and
relationships;
phrases are organized (structure), how
language changes (historical
development), and how humans utilize
language in social context (human
behavior).
2. use theory in explaining these individual,
group, or social phenomena; and/or
Students will be able to use phonetic,
phonological, morphological and
syntactic theories in explaining the
linguistic structure of idiolects (individual
variation), regional dialects (geographic
variation), social dialects (social group
variation), or social phenomena such as
language purism and language policy.
3. understand, assess, and evaluate how
conclusions and generalizations are justified
based on data
Students will be able to understand,
assess and evaluate how conclusions and
generalizations are justified based on the
language data provided in class.
VII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form. ⇓ The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
LINGUISTICS 270 Section 01&02
Autumn Semester 2008
The University of Montana
Syllabus
Time & Place:
Instructor:
Office hours:
MWF Section 01 12:10 – 1:00 pm (LA 201)
MWF Section 02 1:10 – 2:00 pm (LA 307)
Dr. Mizuki Miyashita
TW 11-12 or by appointment
Office: Social Science 212
Phone: 243-5164 (office)
Email: mizuki.miyashita@umontana.edu
Objectives
This course introduces the basic knowledge in the field of linguistics. You will obtain the general understanding of
theoretical issues by considering how speech sounds are formed and organized, how words and sentences are
formed and arranged, how language is used in society and what happens when there is more than one language
used in the same country, etc. Linguistics requires logical thinking skills. Materials provided in the first half of the
semester are somewhat mathematical. Studying linguistics gives you not only the current linguistics contents but
also critical thinking skills that are fundamental and highly respected in the academic and professional
environments.
Prerequisites (None)
General University Requirements
Currently this course is listed in the general university requirements, and fulfills the symbolic systems area when
taken with LING 471 or LING 472. However, LING470 is a prerequisite for LING471 and 472.
Course Requirements and Grading Criteria
4 Homework
30% (10 x 3, drop 1)
Exams
60% (20 x 3 exams)
Class Project
10%
Attendance
5% penalty missing 3
Final Exam
see below
•
•
•
A
AB
+
B
92-100%
89-91%
85-88%
BC+
C
78-80%
75-77%
70-74%
D+
D
D-
65-67%
61-64%
55-60%
81-84%
C-
68-70%
F
0-54%
Project’s reflection report is due in the end of the semester (Max 1page).
Final exam (cumulative) will replace your lowest scored exam. If you are satisfied with your total grade
of homework and exams, you do not need to take final exam.
No Pass/Fail option is available. You must be passing in order to be considered for an incomplete.
Extra Credit Policy
• There is no extra credit opportunity other than extra questions provided during the exams. Any excuse
will not be considered for obtaining extra credit work. Be responsible for your own plans, actions and the
consequences.
• I am not giving you a grade. You are earning your grade.
Policies and Agreements
Attendance/Absence Policy
• When you miss four class meetings or more, you will lose 5% of your final grade. (Up to 3 is safe.)
• Attending every class meeting is very important not only for you not to lower your grade but also for you
to obtain information on course materials. The information given in class is not always the same as what
is in the textbook. Some information is given only in class, and it may reflect topics/questions in exams.
• Your absence does not hurt nothing but your grade and your own class experience. You are expected to
collect missing information from your classmates.
• You are encouraged to turn in an excuse document for your absence (e.g. a doctor’s note, a letter from
your other class instructor due to field training or fieldtrip, etc.). An excuse note is important in order for
me to keep in track what happened on days you missed. Verbal communication on this matter does not
guarantee that your excuse will be recorded.
• Do not apologize for missing classes. Just be responsible for the consequences.
• An attendance is taken in the beginning of a lecture. When you are late for class, you are expected to contac
me after class to let me know that you came to class. I cannot take a phrase like “I was there” later in th
semester.
Blackboard Use and Participation
• This course uses online supplement called blackboard. Go to http://umonline.umt.edu and find out your
login name and password. Handouts and homework assignments are posted. They are not distributed in
class.
Class Preparation
• Lectures will be based on the book, handouts (available on blackboard) and other materials given in class.
• You are strongly recommended to print out the handouts and bring them to the class since most
lectures follow what’s on the handouts. Read the chapters, handouts before and after lectures.
Homework
• Homework assignments will be available at least a week before their due dates. Download and print out
homework assignments. Work on the sheets and submit them by their due dates. Do not submit by
email.
• Every homework assignment is graded for its quality and the amount of time you spend is not an issue.
Most of them require you to “think.” These assignments do not involve simple and repetitive work. Be
ready to dedicate your few hours to your assignments. Take it seriously as if these assignments were
take-home quizzes because each homework assignment is worth 6% of the course grade, and similar
questions may appear on the exams.
• Homework assignments are collected in the beginning of the class. Do not be late for class on due dates
if you want to be considered for full points.
Assignment and Late Assignment Policy
• Assignments are collected in the beginning of the class. An assignment turned in after the collection,
such as in the middle or end of the class, is considered late. Late assignments are penalized by the
percentage listed below.
On due date after collection (before 5pm)
10%
One day late
50%
Two days late or more
100%
• A late assignment may be considered for full points only under the condition when you contact me
before the due date with a “considerable” reason (see general catalogue). In this case, you must
individually set a new assignment due with me. Then the late assignment policy follows from that point.
• A “considerable reason” follows the university policy described in the course catalogue include participat
in university related events, academic conferences, injury, etc. You must tell me how your reason follows
policy.
• A late assignment without contacting me prior to the deadline is not considered for full points, and
treated as regular late assignments. Any late assignment handed in is not guaranteed for being graded
or even returned.
• Do not assume anything without confirming with me. “I assumed…” is not a good reason.
Makeup Exam Policy
• Makeup tests are given only when your reasons for missing the test meet the University’s policy. For
example, you may arrange a makeup exam when you miss a test because of your medical condition and
submit a note from your doctor. You will not be considered for a makeup exam for your family reunion,
vacation, etc.
• Also, your individual necessity for studying is not considered a good reason. Please plan ahead of time.
Academic Misconduct (http://www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/index.cfm/page/1321)
• All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by
the course instructor and/or a disciplinary sanction by the University.
• Academic misconduct is defined as all forms of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to:
1) Plagiarism
2) Misconduct during an examination or academic
exercise
3) Unauthorized possession of examination or other
course materials
4) Tampering with course materials
5) Submitting false information
6) Submitting work previously presented in another course
7) Improperly influencing conduct
8) Substituting, or arranging substitution, for another student d
an examination or other academic exercise
9) Facilitating academic dishonesty, and
10) Altering transcripts, grades, examinations, or other academ
related documents
Textbook/readings
Fromkin V., R. Rodman, and N. Hyams. (2007) An Introduction to Language, 8th Edition.: Heinle,
Thomson.
Recommended Readings
O’Grady, Dobrovolsky and Aronoff. (1997) Contemporary Linguistics. Third Edition.: St. Martin’s.
Pinker, Steven. (1995) The Language Instinct. NY: HarperPerennial.
Schedule of the semester (Tentative)
Wk
1
2
3
4
M
Aug. 25
W
Aug. 27
F
Aug. 29
M
Sep. 1
W
Sep. 3
F
Sep. 5
M
Sep. 8
W
Sep. 10
F
Sep. 12
M
Sep. 15
W
Sep. 17
F
Sep. 19
Topic
Introduction
Introduction
Phonetics
No Class Labor Day
Phonetics
Phonetics
Phonology
Phonology
Phonology
Phonology
Phonology
Exam 1
M
Sep. 22
5
Morphology
W
Sep. 24
Morphology
F
Sep. 26
Morphology
M
Sep. 29
6
Morphology
W
Oct. 1
Syntax
F
Oct. 3
Syntax
M
Oct. 6
7
Syntax
W
Oct. 8
Syntax
F
Oct. 10
Syntax
M
Oct. 13
8
Exam 2
W
Oct. 15
Language Change
F
Oct. 17
Language Change
M
Oct. 20
9
Language Change
W
Oct. 22
Language Acquisition
F
Oct. 24
Language Acquisition
Oct. 27
10 M
Language Acquisition
W
Oct. 29
Brain and Language
F
Oct. 31
Brain and Language
Nov. 3
11 M
Language and Society
W
Nov. 5
Language and Society
F
Nov. 7
Language and Society
Nov. 10
12 M
Language and Society
W
Nov. 12
Language and Society
F
Nov. 14
Language and Society
Nov. 17
13 M
Writing and Language
W
Nov. 19
No Class
F
Nov. 21
No Class
Nov. 24
14 M
Exam 3
W
Nov. 26
In-Class Project Day 1
F
Nov. 28
In-Class Project Day 2
Dec. 1
15 M
In-Class Project Day 3
W
Dec. 3
In-Class Project Day 4
F
Dec. 5
Summary
12/8 8-10 (LA 201) Sec01
12/1 11-3 (LA 307) Sec02
The content on this syllabus may be modified.
Due
Notes
HW 1 Phone
HW 2 Phono
Last day Add/Drop by
Cyberbear
HW 3 Morpho
HW 4 Syntax
Report Due
*Please note: As an instructor of a general education course, you will be expected to provide
sample assessment items and corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.