English 256: Introduction to Linguistics (3 credits)
Spring 2016
MWF 1:10-2:00 Avery 106
office: Avery 347
office hours: W 3-5 and by appointment
telephone: (509) 335-2117/332-2591
e-mail address: lynn.gordon@wsu.edu
University Announcements
Objectives: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the field of linguistics, the study of the nature, structure and use of language.
Students will able to
analyze simple phonology, morphology, syntax and semantic data;
identify speech sounds and do simple phonetic transcription;
analyze language variation and change; and
analyze and describe the mental structures underlying language processing and language acquisition.
Text: Exploring Language and Linguistics, Natalie Braber, Louise Cummings, and Liz Morrish
Tentative Schedule: (Subject to instant revision depending on how things are going)
Grading: Grades are based on homework and class participation (20%), quizzes (40%) and a cumulative final exam (40%).
Homework: There will be regular homework assignments. Homework will be graded credit/no credit. Whenever possible, there will be a class session between when the homework is assigned and when it is due, so that you have the opportunity to ask questions before the homework is due. I encourage you to talk about your homework with each other and me; however, you should each write up your homework separately.
Your homework will be accepted only at the time due or before--even if you feel your attempt is unsatisfactory, turn it in. (unless there is a disaster which calls you out of school; colds, the press of other classes, or the usual difficulties of life do not constitute disasters). If you do not turn in an assignment on or before the due date (without an acceptable reason), your grade for that assignment will be "no credit." Homework will be accepted through the dropbox on the class website.
Quizzes: In place of midterm exams, there will be short quizzes at the end of each section (excluding the introduction and the section on language and the brain, since the latter falls during dead week). The quizzes will consist of problems similar to those we discuss in class and those on the homework assignments. No individual quiz is worth much (worth less than 6% each); however all together they will form 40% of your course grade. There will be no make-up quizzes unless there is a disaster. (See above for what a disaster isn't).
Attendance: You must make your own decisions as an adult whether or not to come to class. However, you should realize that coming to class is part of your job as a student, as is completing the homework on time and passing the quizzes and the final exam. Just coming to class will make meeting your other responsibilities in this class easier. I do not take attendance in this class, but I do reserve the right to give an attendance quiz (worth 50% of a regular quiz) without warning if the attendance in class falls too low.
Final Exam: The final exam is scheduled for 3:10-5:10 on Monday, 2 May 2016. The final exam will be cumulative. You will be allowed to bring one standard letter-size page of notes into the exam.
E-Mail: In compliance with WSU policy I can only respond to e-mail sent from your WSU e-mail address. I cannot respond to e-mail sent from non-WSU accounts and the IT Department has entered your WSU e-mail address in your myWSU account as your default e-mail address.
Disability Policy: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC). All accommodations MUST be approved through the DRC (Washington Building, Room 217). Please stop by or call 509-335-3417 to make an appointment with a disability specialist.
Academic Integrity: As an institution of higher education, Washington State University is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. All members of the University community share the responsibility for maintaining and supporting these principles. When a student enrolls in Washington State University, the student assumes an obligation to pursue academic endeavors in a manner consistent with the standards of academic integrity adopted by the University. To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the University cannot tolerate acts of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication. Washington State University reserves the right and the power to discipline or to exclude students who engage in academic dishonesty.
You are expected to know and adhere to the rules on academic honesty as outlined at http://academicintegrity.wsu.edu/students/. If you violate those rules, depending on the degree of seriousness of your breach of academic integrity, you may fail the quiz or exam or the class as a whole and you may be reported to the Office of Student Conduct for further discipline.
Emergencies: Classroom and campus safety are of paramount importance at Washington State University, and are the shared responsibility of the entire campus population. WSU urges students to follow the “Alert, Assess, Act” protocol for all types of emergencies and the “Run, Hide, Fight” response for an active shooter incident. Remain ALERT (through direct observation or emergency notification), ASSESS your specific situation, and ACT in the most appropriate way to assure your own safety (and the safety of others if you are able).
Please sign up for emergency alerts on your account at MyWSU. For more information on this subject, campus safety, and related topics, please view the FBI’s Run, Hide, Fight video and visit the WSU safety portal.
OEO Statement: Discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct (including stalking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence) is prohibited at WSU (See WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct (Executive Policy 15) and WSU Standards of Conduct for Students).
If you feel you have experienced or have witnessed discriminatory conduct, you can contact the WSU Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) and/or the WSU Title IX Coordinator to discuss resources and reporting options. (Visit oeo.wsu.edu for more information, including a list of confidential and other resources).
WSU employees, with limited exceptions (e.g. confidential resources such as health care providers and mental health care providers – see oeo.wsu.edu/reporting-requirements for more info), who have information regarding sexual harassment or sexual misconduct are required to report the information to OEO or a designated Title IX Coordinator or Liaison.