English 310--Policies and Course Syllabus
Course number 310
(Also ENG 531 02)
I. Course Title: Linguistics and English Grammars
II. Catalog Description: A survey of modern studies in the English language, with
emphasis placed upon its impact on the theory and practice of several grammatical
systems.
III. Purpose: To introduce students to various aspects of both theoretical and applied
linguistics, including phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics,
sociolinguistics, and language teaching.
IV. Course Objectives:
A. To provide students with an overview of the field of linguistic study and an
understanding of the systematic nature of language.
B. To familiarize students with the differences among prescriptive grammars, and
descriptive grammars and teaching grammars. To develop in students an understanding
of differences in purpose among these three types of grammars.
C. To offer the students the opportunity for the practical application of various linguistic
analyses on language data they collect themselves through fieldwork.
D. To allow students to continue developing the “Characteristics of the Murray State
Graduate” through a systematic exploration of language, grammars and linguistics.
V. Content Outline: The overall progression of the course will be to go from
macroanalyses to microanalyses of linguistic data in the following order:
sociolinguistics/pragmatics,semantics, morphology, syntax, and phonetics/phonology.
VI. Instructional Activities:
The primary format of this course will be discussion and workshop. Additionally, I will
present information on specific topics in a lecture style format when appropriate. You
are expected to read the assigned material and come to class prepared to discuss it. There
will be some in-class writing assignments to facilitate discussion when appropriate.
VII. Field, Clinical and/or Lab experience: A four-stage project in which you will
apply different linguistic analyses to data you collect is required for the course. Specific
requirements for the project will be made available on a separate sheet.
VIII. Resources: The Murray State University Library will serve as the principal
resource. Additional internet resources will be available through the class internet site on
the MSU blackboard. For your project you will need access to a device for
audiotaping or videotaping.
IX. Grading procedure: Semester grades will be determined as follows:
Preparation, Attendance and Class
participation
Quizzes and In-class Presentation
Homework
Mid-term exam
Final Exam
Project (4 parts @ 10% each)
Total
10%
15%
05%
15%
15%
40%
100%
Grading scale:
For ENG 310 and
ANT 310
A
B
C
D
E
For ENG
531
90% and
above
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
0-59%
A
B
C
D
E
93% and
above
83-92%
73-82%
63-72%
0-62%
Assignments and exams that involve writing will be graded proprotionally for grasp
of content (2/5), depth of discussion (2/5) and standard use of academic English
(1/5).
X. Attendance: This course adheres to the policy published in the MSU Undergraduate
Bulletin.
XI. Academic Honesty Policy: Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person’s
materials as one’s own), or doing work for another person who will receive academic
credit are all impermissible. This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or
other sources in order to secure or give help during an examination, the unauthorized
copying of examinations, assignments, reports, or term papers, or the presentation of
unacknowledged materials as if it were the student’s own work. Disciplinary action may
be taken beyond the academic discipline administered by the faculty member who
teaches the course in which the cheating took place.
XII. Textbook and other course expenses: The textbook for this course is:
Language Files: Materials for an introduction to language and linguistics, Eighth Edition.
2001. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Press.
A few outside articles will be required and will be made available (usually via the class
blackbaord site) as you need to read them.
XIII. Additional Polices and information:
Teacher/student conferences: You will be required to meet with me in my office for a
short conference twice during the course of the semester. The sign-up sheet for the first
conference will be passed around on teh first day of class. Failure to show up for your
scheduled conference will result in a reduction of your class participation grade.
Reading: Read the assigned files/articles before the class date for which they are due.
Presentation: Each time a section of the project is due, one-quarter of the class will give
a short oral presentation on that part of their project and will prepare a one-page handout
for the class to accompany their presentation. This means that you will be responsible for
giving one presentation this term. Slots for presentation will be assigned randomly.
Homework and class notes: If you are absent, you should contact a classmate to get
class notes and assignments. It is your responsibility to keep up with work you miss.
Quizzes and exams cannot be made up.
When homework and assignments are due, they are due at the beginning of class
(5:30pm). Late assignments will lose one letter grade for every 24 hours they are late. If
you are absent the day when a homework assignment is due, you are still required to hand
it in on time. Special exceptions for emergencies may be made in accordance with
University Policy.
If you are a senior, remember to save a copy of the work you do in this class for inclusion
in your senior portfolio.
Communication with the professor: If at any time you have a question or concern about
this course or your progress in it. I strongly urge you to come to my office during office
hours or make an appointment to see me.
Course Schedule: See separate course schedule for details.
Characteristics of the Murray State Graduate
(From The MSU Undergraduate Bulletin)
The excellence of a University’s baccalaureate program is ultimately demonstrated by the
qualities, characteristics and performance of its graduates. Murray State University sets
as its goal a baccalaureate experience which ensures graduates who:
1. Engage in mature independent thought and express that thought effectively in oral and
written communication;
2. Understand the critical and scientific methodologies academic disciplines employ to
discover knowledge and ascertain its validity;
3. Apply sound standards of analysis and evaluation to reach logical decisions;
4. Understand the role and applications of technology and science in the solution of the
problems of a changing world;
5. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the world’s historical, literary, philosophical
and artistic traditions;
6. Understand the dynamics of cultural diversity, of competing economic and political
systems, and of complex moral and ethical issues;
7. Understand the nature of responsible citizenship and pursue an active role in a
democratic society; and
8. Demonstrate mastery of their chosen field of study in preparation for a successful,
productive life.