Undergraduate Course Descriptions

6.18.4 Course Descriptions

This is a modified and expanded version of the university calendar. For the student's convenience, courses have been organized as follows:

Courses offered once per year, or every other year
Courses offered when possible, or as needed
Service courses
Infrequently offered courses

Courses offered once per year, or every other year

1100 Language and Communication
1103 Introduction to Linguistics: Morphology and Syntax
1104 Introduction to Linguistics: Phonetics and Phonology
1105 The Wonder of Words
2060 Aboriginal Languages of Eastern Canada
2100 Language and Communication
2103 Introduction to Linguistics: Morphology and Syntax
2104 Introduction to Linguistics: Phonetics and Phonology
2105 The Wonder of Words
2210 Language in Newfoundland and Labrador: An Introduction to Linguistic Variation
3000 Morphological Analysis
3100 Generative Syntax
3104 Phonetics
3155 Introduction to Language Acquisition
3201 Generative Phonology
3500 Historical Linguistics
3850 Semantics
4010-4091 (courses on the structure of a language)
4100 Morphosyntactic Analysis
4110 Selected Topics in Generative Grammar
4150 Language Acquisition II
4151 Advanced Topics in Phonological Acquisition
4201 Phonological Theory
4202 Selected Topics in Generative Phonology
4210 Sociolinguistics
4500 Introduction to Field Methods
4700 Experimental Phonetics

Courses offered when possible, or as needed

2025-2041 (intended for students who want to learn an Aboriginal language spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador)
2700-2720 Special Topics in Linguistics: Introduction to Uncommonly Taught Languages
2300 Philosophy of Language and Mind
3105 Issues in the Acquisition of English and the Adult Learner
3210 Language Variation and Change
3212 Language and Gender
3220 Linguistics and Law
3950-3960 Special Topics in Linguistics
4420 English Dialectology I
4421 English Dialectology II
4750 Selected Topics in Phonology
4751 Selected Topics in Morpho-Syntax
4752 Selected Topics in Semantics
4753 Selected Topics in Acquisition
4754 Selected Topics in Linguistic Variation
4900 and 4901 Independent Study
4950-4960 Special Topics in Linguistics
4999 Honours Essay

Service courses

1530-2023 (intended for fluent speakers of Innu-aimun or Inuttut who are planning to complete the Diploma in Native and Northern Education in Labrador)

Infrequently offered courses

2400 History of the English Language to 1500
2401 History of the English Language from 1500 to Modern Times
3150 Bilingualism: Linguistic, Cognitive and Educational Aspects
3302 History of the French Language
3310 Phonology and Morphology of French
3311 Introduction to General Linguistics: Aspects of French Linguistic Theory
4301 French Dialects, Patois and Argots
4310 The French Language in Canada
4350 General Romance Linguistics
4400 Historical and Comparative Linguistics
4403 Etymology: History of English Words

1100 Language and Communication is a general introduction to linguistic concepts which are important for understanding the nature of language, its change and its function for communication. Topics may include: languages as structured systems; the systematicity of language change; the classification of languages into families and their geographical distribution; language, the brain, and language disorders; the acquisition of language; and human versus animal communication. CR: LING 1100 top

1103 Introduction to Morphology and Syntax is an introduction to the study of the meaningful components of words and sentences. This course will demonstrate the principles by which parts of words are organized into larger units (inflectional morphology and word-formation), and by which words pattern into phrases and sentences (syntax). Synchronic and diachronic data from English and several other languages will be analysed to illustrate how language is structured. CR: LING 1103 top

1104 Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology is an introduction to the sounds of speech, their description (phonetics), organization (phonology), and interactions with morphology (morphophonology). The synchronic and diachronic patterns and regularities of language will be demonstrated through analysis of data selected from English and other languages. CR: LING 1104 top

1105 The Wonder of Words is an introduction to the structure of words. This course presents methods of linguistic analysis through an in-depth study of English word origins. The French, Latin, and Greek origins of technical and scientific words are studied, together with the ways that these words may change in structure, sound, and meaning. The course will also provide an introduction to etymology, to writing systems and transliteration, and to the use of dictionaries. CR: credit may not be obtained for both LING 1105 and the former LING 1101, nor for both LING 1105 and LING 2105 top

1530-2023 are intended for fluent speakers of Innu-aimun or Inuttitut who are planning to complete the Diploma in Native and Northern Education in Labrador. These courses are not normally offered at the St. John's campus. top

1530 Reading and Writing in Innu-aimun I - inactive course. top

1531 Reading and Writing in Innu-aimun II - inactive course. top

2020 Introduction to the Structure of Inuttitut I - inactive course. top

2021 Introduction to the Structure of Inuttitut II - inactive course. top

2022 Issues in Oral Inuttitut reviews issues of oral Inuttitut. Topics included will be the primary role of oral language in communication, language acquisition and language maintenance. The nature and significance of dialect differences will also be discussed. Different types of oral language will be examined, e.g. stories, newscasts, conversation. Students will study how oral language is used within modern Labrador society and whether language attitudes are reflected in this use. Students will also consider how best to teach oral Inuttitut and different ways to test for oral proficiency. This course is intended for fluent speakers of Inuttitut who are planning to complete the Diploma in Native and Northern Education (T.E.P.L.) This course in not normally offered at the St. John's campus. PR: LING 2020 top

2023 Reading and Writing in Inuttitut - inactive course. top

2025 Introduction to Inuttitut I introduces students to Inuttitut (Eskimo). Students will develop a working knowledge of basic vocabulary and grammar, as well as a number of linguistic concepts that will enable them to consult a wide range of reference books. A strong emphasis will be placed on oral skills. This course is intended for students who want to learn an Aboriginal language spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador. top

2026 Introduction to Inuttitut II is a continuation of Linguistics 2025. Students will learn further vocabulary and grammar of the language. They will also be required to submit a project based on their own investigation of some aspect of the grammar of the language (based on either reference books or fieldwork). A strong emphasis will be placed on oral skills. This course is intended for students who want to learn an Aboriginal language spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador. PR: LING 2025   top

2030 Introduction to Innu-aimun (Montagnais/Naskapi) I - inactive course. top

2031 Introduction to Innu-aimun (Montagnais/Naskapi) II - inactive course.  top

2040 Introduction to Mi'kmaq I - inactive course.  top

2041 Introduction to Mi'kmaq II - inactive course. top

2060 Aboriginal Languages of Eastern Canada is an overview of the aboriginal languages of three language families of Eastern Canada: Eskimo-Aleut (Inuttitut) and Algonquian (Innu-aimun, Mi'kmaq, Maliseet-Pasmaquoddy and Beothuk) and Iroquoian (Mohawk) with respect to both linguistic structure and current vitality. The history of language suppression and revitalization efforts, within the context of the larger issues of minority language attrition and maintenance. This course is intended for students who want to learn an Aboriginal language spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador.   top

2100 Language and Communication is a general introduction to linguistic concepts which are important for understanding the nature of language, its change and its function for communication. Topics may include: languages as structured systems; the systematicity of language change; the classification of languages into families and their geographical distribution; language, the brain, and language disorders; the acquisition of language; and human versus animal communication. CR: LING 2100 top

2103 Introduction to Morphology and Syntax is an introduction to the study of the meaningful components of words and sentences. This course will demonstrate the principles by which parts of words are organized into larger units (inflectional morphology and word-formation), and by which words pattern into phrases and sentences (syntax). Synchronic and diachronic data from English and several other languages will be analyzed to illustrate how language is structured. CR: LING 2103 top

2104 Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology is an introduction to the sounds of speech, their description (phonetics), organization (phonology), and interactions with morphology (morphophonology). The patterns and regularities of language will be demonstrated through analysis of synchronic and diachronic data selected from English and other languages. CR: LING 1104 top

2105 The Wonder of Words is an introduction to the structure of words. This course presents methods of linguistic analysis through an in-depth study of English word origins. The French, Latin, and Greek origins of technical and scientific words are studied, together with the ways that these words may change in structure, sound, and meaning. This course will also provide an introduction to etymology, to writing systems and transliteration, and to the use of dictionaries. CR: credit may not be obtained for both LING 2105 and the former 1101, nor for both LING 1105 and LING 2105 top

2210 Language in Newfoundland and Labrador: An Introduction to Linguistic Variation is an introduction to linguistic variation and language change in the English dialects and languages of Newfoundland and Labrador. Topics covered include the concept of variation within language, both regional and social; the chief causes of such variation, and some of its societal and educational consequences; a survey of the regional and social dialects of Newfoundland English, and their major features; an overview of languages in the province other than English, and their current situation. As a Research and Writing course, practical workshops and assignments focus on producing strong, academic writing and critical analysis/thinking skills necessary for undergraduate level research. This course qualifies as a Research/Writing course. Prior to registration a list of courses which may be used as a research/writing course will be posted on the website of the Faculty of Arts as www.mun.ca/arts. top

2300 Philosophy of Language and Mind (same as Philosophy 2300) is a survey of philosophical thinking about human language and thought, and about how these phenomena relate to the rest of the natural world. Topics covered include the nature of language, the relations between thought and language, and the nature of consciousness. CR: Philosophy 2300, the former LING 2710, the former Philosophy 2710 top

2400 History of the English Language to 1500 - inactive course. top

2401 History of the English Language from 1500 to Modern Times - inactive course. top

2700-2720 (Excluding 2710) Special Topics in Linguistics is an introduction to Uncommonly Taught Languages including the following:

2700 Introduction to Irish Gaelic I is an introduction to standard modern Irish. The course teaches a core vocabulary, focusing on buidling practical conversation capabilities. There is a strong emphasis on aural and oral work in the classroom. An introduction to basic sentence structure, the present tense, as well as the fundamentals of grammar. PR: LING 2103 or LING 2104 is recommended. top

2701 Introduction to Irish Gaelic II is a continuation of Introduction to Irish Gaelic I. The course develops sentence structures, cases, and verb tenses and strives to reach a basic reading competence of the language. PR: LING 2700 top

2702 Introduction to Japanese I is an introduction to Japanese I. top

2703 Introduction to Japanese II is an introduction of Japanese II. PR: LING 2702 top

2704 Introduction to Japanese III - inactive course. top

2705 Introduction to Japanese IV - inactive course. top

2706 Introduction to Japanese V - inactive course. top

3000 Morphological Analysis studies the meaningful parts from which words are built by using restricted data from a variety of languages. Practical work on selected languages will illustrate the wide range of notions which acquire formal expression in grammatical systems. Although previous knowledge of the languages to be discussed is not necessary, an important aspect of the course will be practical experience in analysing phenomena which are foreign to English. Discussion of languages taught at this University will be balanced with analysis of limited data sets from more exotic languages. Comparison of the means by which smaller units are organized into words will make possible an elementary typology of the world's languages. PR: LING 1103 or LING 2103 top

3100 Generative Syntax is an introduction to a major contemporary approach to syntactic theory. Topics include phrase structure and constituency, case theory and agreement, principles of thematic role assignment, parametric variation, and the different types of syntactic movement. PR: LING 1103 or LING 2103 top

3104 Phonetics builds on the introduction to phonetics given in LING 1104 or LING 2104, and deals with the wide range of sounds that are used in human languages. On the practical side, the student will systematically learn to identify, symbolize and pronounce a large number of sounds. The theoretical work will concentrate on an understanding of the articulatory, acoustic and perceptual features of speech sounds. This involves the close examination of data from foreign languages chosen to illustrate the fact that languages differ widely in their selection and organization of speech sounds. It also involves study of selected regional differences in the pronunciation of English. PR: LING 1104 or LING 2104 top

3105 Issues in the Acquisition of English and the Adult Learner - inactive course. top

3150 Bilingualism: Linguistic, Cognitive and Educational Aspects - inactive course. top

3155 Introduction to Language Acquisition will examine a number of critical issues in the first and second language acquisition of syntax and phonology. Current generative approaches to first and second language acquisition will be covered, which will be exemplified with data from different languages. An introduction to phonological and syntactic speech disorders will also be offered. PR: LING 1103 or LING 2103 and LING 1104 or LING 2104 top

3201 Generative Phonology will present the basic terms, concepts, and methods of Generative Phonology. Theoretical constructs surveyed will include distinctive feature theory and syllable structure. These constructs will be exemplified using phenomena observed in natural languages, including allophony, allomorphy, and processes such as assimilation and neutralization. PR: LING 1104 or LING 2104 top

3210 Language Variation and Change will provide a thorough grounding in the methods and theory underlying current approaches to language variation and change. PR: LING 2210, or third-year standing, or permission of the instructor. top

3212 Language and Gender is an introduction to research and critical thinking on the relationship of language and gender to culture, power, construction of identity, performance, interaction, social networks, language change, sexuality, and language in the school and workplace. PR: LING 2210 or Gender Studies 1000 top

3220 Linguistics and Law is an overview of the many relationships between linguistics and the judicial process. Topics to be covered include: the language of legal texts, and the Plain English movement; language use in legal settings (such as eyewitness testimony, jury instructions, and the language of lawyer-client interactions); the legal disadvantages which language may impose on speakers of minority languages and non-standard dialects; and the emerging discipline of forensic linguistics (which deals with such issues as voice and authorship identification, and linguistic interpretation of evidence). PR: Students are strongly recommended to have completed either LING 3212 or Law and Society 2000. top

3302 History of the French Language (same as French 3302) is a study of the origins of French, including the influence of Gaulish languages, Vulgar Latin, Frankish, and the langue d'oc/langue d'oil division; a survey of the dialects, morphology and syntax of Old French and of the evolution from Old to Middle French, including phonology, morphology, syntax and vocabulary. CR: French 3302. PR: 15 credit hours in French and/or Linguistics at the 2000 level or permission of the Head of the Department; Classics 1120 is strongly recommended. top

3310 Phonology and Morphology of French (same as French 3310) is an examination of the phonological and morphological structure of French. Data from regional and non-standard varieties contrasted with data from standard French: formal rules to deal with observed regularities. Interactions of phonology and morphology in phenomena such as liaison. Derivational and inflectional morphology. Research articles on one or more of the topics dealt with in the course will be assigned as readings, and a written report in French based on one or more of the articles is to be submitted as part of the term work. This course will normally be taught in French. CR: French 3310. PR: 15 credit hours in French and/or Linguistics at the 2000 level or permission of the instructor.   top

3311 Introduction to General Linguistics: Aspects of French Linguistic Theory
(Same as French 3311) is a practical examination of the French verbal system, with a thorough exposition of the systems of aspect, voice, tense and mood. The fundamental concepts of linguistics will form the framework of this exposition: the langue/parole distinction and its relationship to underlying and surface entities; language as activity and the generation of surface elements from underlying subsystems. This course will normally be taught in French. CR: French 3311. PR: 15 credit hours in French and/or Linguistics at the 2000 level or permission of the instructor.   top

3500 Historical Linguistics will focus on: Genetic relationships between languages; the comparative method; language change found in phonetics/phonology, morphology and syntax; lexical and semantic change; the role of language and dialect contact; comparative and internal reconstruction; the typological and genetic classification of languages. PR: LING 1103 and LING 1104. top

3850 Semantics is an introduction to the study of linguistic meaning. Word- and sentence-level semantics, grammatical meaning, pragmatics, and logical aspects of meaning. PR: LING 1103 or LING 2103 is required; LING 3000 and LING 3100 are recommended. top

3950-3960 Special Topics in Linguistics will have topics to be studied announced by the Department. top

3951 Language Endangerment and Revitalization provides an introduction to the key issues surrounding the discussion of endangered languages. Causes, consequences, and efforts to reverse the process of decline (language revitalization or maintenance) are examined through consideration of case studies from around the world. Theoretical models developed to evaluate the current status and future prospects of endangered languages are also considered. The course is likely to include substantial discussion of the situation in Canada and the USA. PR: LING 1100 or LING 2100 top

4010-4091 will focus on the linguistic structure of certain languages, and are designed to provide senior students with the opportunity of being exposed to a substantial part of the grammar of a language other than those regularly offered in the Faculty of Arts. One course in this series will be offered each year, subject to availability of instructor. PR: LING 1103 or LING 2103 and LING 1104 or LING 2104 or the permission of the instructor and the Head of the Department. top

4050-4054 Linguistic Structure of a North American Aboriginal Language could study the following languages: Cree, Inuttitut (Inuktitut), Innu-aimun (Montagnais/Naskapi), etc. CR: Except where an exemption is supplied by the Head of the Department, a student may not obtain credit for more than one course in the 4050-4054 series. Students may not obtain credit for any of the previously offered LING 4010, 4020, 4021, 4030, 4031, 4040, 4041 in addition to a course in the 4050-4054 series.
PR: LING 1103 or LING 2103 and LING 1104 or LING 2104, or the permission of the instructor and the Head of the Department. top

4055-4059 Linguistic Structure of an Uncommonly Taught Language provides instruction about the grammar, pronunciation, and literary and/or oral tradition of a language which is not regularly taught. CR:  Except where an exemption is supplied by the Head of the Department, a student may not obtain credit for more than one course in the 4055-4059 series. Students may not obtain credit for any of the previously offered LING 4011, 4060, 4061, 4065, 4066, 4070, 4071, 4080, 4081, 4090, and 4091 in addition to a course in the LING 4055-4059 series. PR: LING 1103 or LING 2103 and LING 1104 or LING 2104, or the permission of the instructor and the Head of the Department. top

4100 Morphosyntactic Analysis is an analysis of a wide range of linguistic data in morphology and syntax. The course will focus on essential linguistic concepts in more than one theoretical framework, and on the nature of linguistic evidence. This course is usually offered in alternate years. CR: the former LING 4001. PR: LING 3000. top

4110 Selected Topics in Generative Grammar examines a particular topic or set of related topics which are selected by the instructor and which are important in contemporary generative theory. Readings will normally come from the primary literature. This course is usually offered in alternate years. PR: LING 3100   top

4150 Language Acquisition II provides an evaluation of the theoretical aspects of first and second language acquisition. Theories about the role of linguistic principles, learnability and the role of linguistic input are discussed, in light of research on the acquisition of English and other languages. PR: LING 3155 top

4151 Advanced Topics in Phonological Acquisition will address current empirical and theoretical issues pertaining to the first language acquisition of phonology. From an empirical perspective, we will look at developmental patterns as well as variation or lack thereof among and between learners, within and across languages. From a theoretical perspective, we will address how theoretical frameworks can, and at times cannot, account for the variation observed. We will address how the language input provided by different languages can influence the learner's analysis of the phonology of this language during the course of acquisition. This influence will be both addressed in terms of grammatical learning and from the persepctive of production patterns observed in the data. PR: LING 3155 top

4201 Phonological Theory will familiarize students with current issues in phonological theory. Issues such as phonology in the lexicon, segmental and prosodic representations, the analysis of stress and tonal systems, as well as a comprehensive introduction to constraint-based approaches to phonology will be covered. Students will further develop their ability to analyze phonological data. This course is usually offered in alternate years. PR: LING 3201 top

4202 Selected Topics in Generative Phonology - inactive course. top

4210 Sociolinguistics studies the detailed patterns of variation found in any given speech community, and factors which co-vary with them; the various theoretical models proposed to account for such variability. As their major assignment, students will complete a carefully restricted sociolinguistic project. This course is usually offered in alternate years. PR: LING 2210 top

4301 French Dialects, Patois and Argots - inactive course. top

4310 The French Language in Canada - inactive course.   top

4350 General Romance Linguistics - inactive course.   top

4400 Historical and Comparative Linguistics - inactive course. top

4403 Etymology: History of English Words - inactive course. top

4420 English Dialectology I - inactive course.  top

4421 English Dialectology II - inactive course.   top

4500 Introduction to Field Methods is data collection and organization for an unfamiliar language in a simulated field situation, including methods of elicitation, data filing, preliminary analysis, and hypothesis formation and testing. In this course, students will also learn to apply analytical skills developed in the core theoretical areas of phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. This course is usually offered in alternate years. PR: LING 3000 or LING 3100 or permission of the instructor. top

4700 Experimental Phonetics examines some empirical methods of studying the different stages of 'the speech chain' which links speaker to hearer, with special emphasis on the acoustic and perceptual stages. The source-plus-filter theory of speech production. A survey of the range of natural articulations and their acoustic effects. Some competing theories of speech perception. Acoustic versus perceptual bases for phonological features. PR: LING 1104 or LING 2104 top

4750 Selected Topics in Phonology will have topics to be studied announced by the Department. This course introduces students to more advanced topics in core linguistic disciplines. PR: LING 4201 or LING 4202 top

4751 Selected Topics in Morpho-Syntax will have topics to be studied announced by the Department. This course introduces students to more advanced topics in core linguistic disciplines. PR: LING 4100 or LING 4110 top

4752 Selected Topics in Semantics will have topics to be studied announced by the Department. This course introduces students to more advanced topics in core linguistic disciplines. PR: LING 3850 top

4753 Selected Topics in Acquisition will have topics to be studied announced by the Department. This course introduces students to more advanced topics in core linguistic disciplines. PR: LING 4150 or LING 4151 top

4754 Selected Topics in Linguistic Variation will have topics to be studied announced by the Department. This course introduces students to more advanced topics in core linguistic disciplines. PR: LING 4210 top

4900 and 4901 Independent Study are courses that are open to advanced students wishing to do individual research in consultation with an advisor. PR: permission of instructor top

4950-4960 Special Topics in Linguistics will have topics to be studied announced by the Department. PR: permission of the instructor top

4999 Honours Essay is required as part of the honours program. top