Ling. 2301 (section 003)

Introduction to the Study of Human Language
Spring 2008


Class meetings: Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-1:50 p.m.
Class location: 218 Trimble Hall
Professor: Dr. Laurel Smith Stvan
Office: 410 Hammond Hall
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 2:00 - 3:00 p.m., and by appointment
Phone: (817) 272-5234
Email: stvan@uta.edu

Materials

textbook photo
 There is one required text book (available at the campus bookstore or through any other bookseller of your choice): Clark, Virginia P., Paul A. Eschholz, & Alfred F. Rosa. 2008. Language: Introductory Readings, 7th edition. St. Martin's Press. ISBN: 0-312-45018-4.

There will also be additional online materials required. Here is the most current course schedule of readings and assignments. The schedule is subject to change at any time, though I will try to provide ample notice of any adjustments. You should, however, become used to checking it regularly, since it will contain links to online readings, and video and audio clips that you'll need to play before class.

Course Description


LING 2301 examines a range of issues concerning the most fundamental of human experiences: acquiring and using a language. Students will consider a variety of language-related topics in the context of the social sciences, from anthropology to history to psychology. Course readings provide students with exposure to many of the basic concepts and terms used in the study of language and linguistics. Lectures complement the readings by further elucidating key concepts and exemplifying these notions in the context of contemporary society.

Course Objectives


The primary goal of LING 2301 is to change students' relationship with language by (a) challenging and enriching thinking about language and (b) raising consciousness of the role that language plays in the minds and communities of humans. Students should be prepared to enter into well-informed discussions about the primary themes of the course:
1. All human languages are systematic, each manifesting the complementary properties of rule-governance and creativity;
2. The acquisition and use of language is rooted in a complex of cognitive (internal) and social (external) factors;
3. Human languages reflect both our collective humanity and our socio-historical diversity; as such, all languages are worthy of study and respect.
These course themes are supported by reference to specific topics (e.g., language acquisition, language history) as covered in the readings, lectures, and class discussions.

Attendance


Regular attendance is expected at lectures, and your presence and participation is included as part of the class grade. For each class, students will be expected to have completed both the readings for each lecture and any assigned problems to be discussed prior to class. Students assume responsibility for acquiring all notes, handouts, and announcements. (In the case of an absence, you may be able to catch up on missed information by attending the lectures in one of the other sections of Ling. 2301 this semester, but quizzes and exams can only be taken in the section that you are enrolled in).

Course Requirements
1. In-Class Quizzes................................................................................................................... 30 %
--On 8 days there will be a brief in-class quiz. Quizzes will be given during the first 10 minutes of class.
--Each quiz will be worth five (5) points; formats will vary.
--The material covered on any given quiz may either (a) come either from the course readings -or-
(b) be based on an out-of-class assignment.
--Under no circumstances will there be any make-up quizzes; instead, students will be allowed to drop their lowest two quiz grades, which may be used to offset a grade of "0" on a missed quiz.

2. In-Class Examinations........................................................................................................... 30 % (2 X 15%)
--There will be two in-class examinations as noted on the schedule. Format to be announced prior to each.
--Those who miss an exam will be allowed a make-up only under extreme, documented circumstances. If you are unable to take an exam, you must contact me before 9:00 PM of the scheduled exam date to request a make-up. (Leaving a message on my voicemail or sending me an e-mail message is fine.) Students who miss an exam but do not notify me as specified above will receive a grade of zero (0).

3. Final Examination.................................................................................................................. 30 %
--There will be a semi-comprehensive final on Thursday, December 14, from 11:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
--Those who do not take the final exam will not pass the course, regardless of previous performance.

4. Attendance and Participation............................................................................... 10 %
--More than three absences without a written medical excuse will lower your grade by 1 percentage point per class missed.
Course Policies

Class attendance is required. You are responsible for the material presented in class lectures and for any handouts passed out in class; for your own benefit, come to class. But if you must miss a class, get notes and information from another student, do the reading, and do the assignments. Assignments are due on the day listed in the schedule, and no later, unless you make arrangements with me prior to the due date.

University Policies

Final Review Week
A period of five class days prior to the first day of final examinations in the long sessions shall be designated as Final Review Week. The purpose of this week is to allow students sufficient time to prepare for final examinations. During this week, there shall be no scheduled activities such as required field trips or performances; and no instructor shall assign any themes, research problems or exercises of similar scope that have a completion date during or following this week unless specified in the class syllabus. During Final Review Week, an instructor shall not give any examinations constituting 10% or more of the final grade, except makeup tests and laboratory examinations. In addition, no instructor shall give any portion of the final examination during Final Review Week.

Americans With Disabilities Act
The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 93112 -- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of new federal legislation entitled Americans With Disabilities Act - (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.

As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodation" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty at the beginning of the semester and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels (that is, you must first register with the office of disability accommodation on the lower level of University Center).

Academic Dishonesty
I take academic honesty very seriously, and I expect you to. It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents' Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22)

Withdrawals
It is the student's responsibility to initiate and complete any withdrawal from the class. The instructor cannot withdraw a student.

Go to Laurel Stvan's home page.

Last Updated: January 14, 2008