This course provides prospective teachers with an overview of the study of language and how it works. It is an introduction to the scientific study of language and linguistics. The course provides for examination of relevant theories of language and how language is acquired as well as cognitive, societal and cultural considerations affecting its use. Specific topics to be examined include: the structure of languages, grammatical constructs (e.g., morphology, syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, and discourse), the interactions between language use and social structures, and the representation of language in the brain. Instructional applications will be considered. The course presupposes no formal study or knowledge of language/ linguistics.

Admission to the Graduate School