A tentative list of upcoming Linguistics course offerings can be found at www.mun.ca/hss/courses.php.
Linguistics courses are designated by LING.
1100
Introduction to Linguistics
is a general introduction to linguistic concepts which are important for understanding the nature of language and its function for communication. Topics 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 vs animal communication.
CR: LING 1155, the former LING 2100
1103
Introduction to Linguistic Analysis: Syntax
(same as the former LING 2103) is an introduction to the study of grammatical patterns in the structure of phrases and sentences. This course provides students with the tools to analyze phrase structure and syntactic constituency in English and other languages. Theoretical topics covered include case theory and agreement, principles of thematic role assignment, and different types of syntactic movement.
CR: the former LING 2103
1104
Introduction to Linguistic Analysis: Phonology
(same as the former LING 2104) is an introduction to the study of sound patterns in human languages. Basic empirical and theoretical issues in phonology are demonstrated through the analysis of data selected from English and other languages. Theoretical concepts surveyed include phonological features and contrasts, and syllable structure. These are examined through the study of allophony, allomorphy, and processes such as assimilation and neutralization.
CR: the former LING 2104
1105
The Wonder of Words
(same as the former LING 2105) 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: the former LING 2105; credit may not be obtained for both the former LING 2105 and the former LING 1101
1155
Linguistics for Language Learners and Teachers
introduces and explains the concepts and terminology useful for formal language instruction. The primary focus is on understanding the structure of various levels of language (meaning, pronunciation, words, sentences, conversations, society and culture, and change), specifically as these structures relate to second language learning. The secondary focus is on research on learning and teaching and the natural acquisition of language.
CR: LING 1100
1530
Reading and Writing in Innu-aimun I
- inactive course.
1531
Reading and Writing in Innu-aimun II
- inactive course.
2020
Introduction to the Structure of Inuttitut I
- inactive course.
2021
Introduction to the Structure of Inuttitut II
- inactive course.
2022
Issues in Oral Inuttitut
reviews the primary role of oral language in communication, language, acquisition and language maintenance in oral Inuttitut. The nature and significance of dialect differences are also discussed. Different types of oral language are examined, e.g. stories, newscasts, conversation. Students study how oral language is used within modern Labrador society and whether language attitudes are reflected in this use. Students also consider how best to teach oral Inuttitut and different ways to test for oral proficiency. This course is not normally offered at the St. John's Campus.
PR: LING 2020
2023
Reading and Writing in Inuttitut
- inactive course.
2025
Introduction to Inuttitut I
introduces students to Inuttitut (Eskimo). Students develop a working knowledge of basic vocabulary and grammar, as well as a number of linguistic concepts that enable them to consult a wide range of reference books. A strong emphasis is placed on oral skills. This course is intended for students who want to learn an Aboriginal language spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.
2026
Introduction to Inuttitut II
is a continuation of LING 2025. Students learn further vocabulary and grammar of the language. They are also 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 is placed on oral skills. This course is intended for students who want to learn an Aboriginal language spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.
PR: LING 2025
2030
Introduction to Innu-aimun (Montagnais/Naskapi) I
- inactive course.
2031
Introduction to Innu-aimun (Montagnais/Naskapi) II
- inactive course.
2040
Introduction to Mi'kmaq I
- inactive course.
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-Pasamaquoddy and Beothuk) and Iroquoian (Mohawk) with respect to both linguistic structure and current vitality. The course also reviews a history of language suppression and revitalization efforts, within the context of the larger issues of minority language attrition and maintenance, is also considered.
2210
Language in Newfoundland and Labrador: An Introduction to Linguistic Variation
examines linguistic variation and language change in the 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 consequences. As a Quantitative Reasoning course, practical workshops and assignments focus on producing a final scientific research report using quantitative analysis, graphical representation of numerical data, and logical reasoning involving numbers. All sections of this course follow Quantitative Reasoning guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/qr.
UL: may not be used as both a Quantitative Reasoning course and the former Research/Writing
2212
Language and Gender
(same as the former LING 3212) explores gender, sexuality and language and their relationship to culture, power, performance, interaction, social networks, language change, and language in the school and workplace. The course introduces theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and research findings, from an early focus on gender difference to more recent work on how language helps people create and perform gender and sexuality.
CR: the former LING 3212
2220
Linguistics and Law
(same as the former LING 3220) 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).
CR: the former LING 3220
2300
Philosophy of Language and Mind
(same as Philosophy 2060, the former 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 2060, the former LING 2710, the former Philosophy 2300, the former Philosophy 2710
2400
History of the English Language to 1500
- inactive course.
2401
History of the English Language from 1500 to Modern Times
- inactive course.
2700-2720
Special Topics in Linguistics
is an introduction to Uncommonly Taught Languages.
3000
Morphology
is an introduction to the study of word structure, which provides a comprehensive overview of morphological phenomena in a wide variety of languages. Topics include inflection, derivation, morphophonology, and operations which change grammatical functions.
PR: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 and LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
3100
Syntactic Theory
builds on the basic concepts from LING 1103 and extends them to include cross-linguistic variation from a variety of language families and language types. New topics examined include the foundations of phrase structure, binding theory, phase theory and parametric variation.
PR: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
3104
Phonetics
provides a thorough grounding in pronouncing, transcribing and acoustically analyzing the sounds of the world's languages. Material covered includes study of the vocal anatomy, phonetic transcription of speech data from both English and a variety of the world's languages, as well as basic concepts of acoustic analysis and speech perception. This involves the close examination of data from many of the world's languages, which illustrates how widely languages can differ in their selection and organization of speech sounds.
PR: LING 1100 or LING 1155, or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
3105
Issues in the Acquisition of English and the Adult Learner
- inactive course.
3150
Bilingualism: Linguistic, Cognitive and Educational Aspects
- inactive course.
3155
Introduction to Language Acquisition
examines critical issues in language acquisition, in light of the most central theoretical perspectives in this area of research. The course combines experimental evidence from infant speech perception with corpus data documenting speech production abilities in first language learners. Issues in second language acquisition and developmental language disorders are also discussed whenever relevant, and as part of dedicated lectures. Data from different populations of learners and across many different languages serve to illustrate the discussion, whenever relevant.
PR: LING 1100 or LING 1155, or the former LING 2100 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
3201
Phonological Theory
presents terms, concepts, and methods of studying phonological representations and phonological processes. Topics include segmental and prosodic aspects of phonological patterning, including stress, tone, and harmony systems. The course also addresses challenges posed by transparent and opaque interactions between different components of phonological systems. These concepts are exemplified using phenomena observed across natural languages. The course also introduces the basics of constraint-based approaches to phonological theory.
PR: LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
3210
Introduction to Sociolinguistics
introduces the methods and theory underlying current approaches to the relationship between language and society. Topics covered include the concept of variation within language, both regional and social; the linguistic and social causes of such variation; and the means by which societies shape linguistic choices and behaviour.
PR: LING 1100 or LING 1155, or the former LING 2100 or LING 2210 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
3302
History of the French Language
(same as French 3302, Medieval Studies 3302) is a study of the origins of French, including the influence of Gaulish, Vulgar Latin, Frankish and the langue d'oc/langue d'oïl 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, Medieval Studies 3302
PR: 15 credit hours in French and/or Linguistics at the 2000 level or permission of the Head of the Department; Classics 1120 or Medieval Studies 1120 is strongly recommended
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
3311
Introduction to General Linguistics: Aspects of French Linguistic Theory
- inactive course.
3500
Historical Linguistics
focuses on the genetic relationships between languages, using the comparative method, as well as on language change (as documented in phonetics/phonology, morphology, and syntax). Lexical and semantic change are also investigated, as is the role of language/dialect contact. The course covers the basis for comparative and internal language reconstruction, as well as the typological and genetic classification of languages.
PR: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 and LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
3850
Introduction to Semantics
examines the foundations of semantics, the study of linguistic meaning. The focus is on sentence-level semantics, involving both lexical meaning and logical/quantificational semantic operations. How do utterances get their meanings? How do we combine simple meanings to create complex ones? How are meanings connected to syntactic structure and intonation? What does context contribute to meaning? Set theory is introduced, as is some formal logic (from propositional logic to a typed lambda-calculus). All sections of this course follow Quantitative Reasoning guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/qr.
PR: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 is required or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department. LING 3000 and 3100 are recommended.
3950-3960 (Excluding 3951)
Special Topics in Linguistics
will have topics to be studied announced by the Department.
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 1155, or the former LING 2100 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
4010-4091
will focus on the linguistic structure of certain languages, and are designed to provide senior students with the opportunity to be exposed to a substantial part of the grammar of a language other than those regularly offered in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. One course in this series will be offered each year, subject to availability of instructor.
PR: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 and LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or the permission of the instructor
4050-4054
Linguistic Structure of a North American Aboriginal Language
- inactive course.
4055-4059
Linguistic Structure of an Uncommonly Taught Language
- inactive course.
4100
Morphosyntactic Analysis
examines the relationship between complex morphology and syntactic structure. Data and patterns from a wide variety of languages are considered, including several polysynthetic languages. Students use readings selected from the primary literature for class discussion materials and for their own research.
PR: LING 3100 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
4110
Selected Topics in Syntactic Theory
is an analysis of a wide range of linguistic data in morphology and syntax. The course focuses 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.
PR: LING 3100 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
4150
Language Acquisition II
evaluates different theoretical avenues to explain patterns of first and second language acquisition. The course explores acquisition patterns in first and second language acquisition, bilingual development, and language learning disorders. Building on these data, the discussion covers central theoretical questions about the role of linguistic principles, issues in learnability and effects related to properties of the linguistic input.
PR: LING 3155 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
4151
Advanced Topics in Phonological Development
covers current empirical and theoretical questions in phonological development. The course evaluates how different theoretical frameworks can (or not) account for patterns of phonological development observed in a range of different languages. Central to these discussions is the learner's ability to perceive, interpret, and reproduce the various sounds and sound combinations present in these languages.
PR: LING 3155 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
4203
Advanced Phonology
(same as the former LING 4201) addresses current issues in phonological theory. Topics include phonology in the lexicon, segmental and prosodic representations, as well as advanced issues in constraint-based approaches to phonology. Students further develop their ability to analyze phonological data in light of current theories.
CR: the former LING 4201
PR: LING 3201 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
4204
Selected Topics in Generative Phonology
(same as the former LING 4202) examines a particular topic or set of related topics which are selected by the instructor and which are important in contemporary generative phonology. Readings will normally come from the primary literature. This course is usually offered in alternate years.
CR: the former LING 4202
PR: LING 3201 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
4210
Sociolinguistics II
studies the detailed patterns of variation found in any given speech community, and factors which co-vary with them, and the various theoretical models proposed to account for such variability. Students acquire a thorough grounding in the methods and theory underlying current approaches to the relationship between language and society. As their major assignment, students complete a carefully restricted sociolinguistic project. This course is usually offered in alternate years.
PR: LING 3210 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
4420
English Dialectology I
- inactive course.
4421
English Dialectology II
(same as English 4421) is field-work and transcription; modern linguistic geography; structuralist dialectology; occupational dialects; other recent approaches.
CR: English 4421
PR: LING 4420 and 3 credit hours in English at the 2000 level
4500
Introduction to Field Methods
focuses on 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 learn to apply theoretical concepts from all major Linguistics sub-disciplines, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and historical linguistics. This course is usually offered in alternate years.
PR: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 and LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
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 components of the chain. The course also surveys a range of natural articulations and their acoustic effects, explained through the Source-plus-Filter theory of speech production. The discussion also considers competing theories of speech perception as well as debates on the acoustic versus perceptual bases for phonological features.
PR: LING 3104 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
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 3201 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
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 3100 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
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 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
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 3155 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
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 3210 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
4900-4901
Independent Study
are courses that are open to advanced students wishing to do individual research in consultation with an advisor.
PR: permission of the instructor
4950-4960 (Excluding 4956)
Special Topics in Linguistics
will have topics to be studied announced by the Department.
PR: permission of the instructor
4956
Language Disorders and Linguistic Theory
provides an overview of some of the most frequently studied language-related disorders. This course will focus on the nature of language disorders and how linguistic theory (especially, generative syntax) can account for language behavior in affected individuals. Lectures and assignments will give students the opportunity to examine the clinical aspects of disorders that impact oral language, including specific language impairment, autism spectrum disorder, and aphasia, and to apply syntactic theory to various sets of language data.