Courses

101B Introduction to Linguistics HU

B. Lillehaugen
An introductory survey of linguistics as a field. This course examines the core areas of linguistic structure (morphology, phonology, syntax, semantics), pragmatics, and language variation in relation to language change. The course provides rudimentary training in the analysis of language data, and focuses on the variety of human language structures and on the question of universal properties. Taught at Bryn Mawr, Fall of 2011 Typically offered every Fall at Bryn Mawr.

113H Introduction to Syntax HU

B.Lillehaugen
This course is a hands-on investigation of sentence structures in human language. This is a participation intensive course. Collectively, the class will develop an increasingly complex syntactic theory starting with basic assumptions and seeing where they lead. In the process, students will develop skills in observing syntactic patterns and analyzing these patterns in order to come to some generalizations on their own. Typically offered every Fall.

114H Introduction to Semantics HU

S.Huang
This course focuses on the study of meaning in human language. We will explore semantic issues that arise from the lexicon, the sentences, and the discourse. Along the way, we will investigate not only the semantic structure of natural language but also pragmatic factors that affect language use. This is a participation-intensive course. In the process, students will not only learn the basic semantic theory but will also develop skills in observing semantic patterns and analyzing these patterns in order to come to some generalizations on their own. Typically offered every Spring.

115H Phonetics and Phonology HU

B.Lillehaugen
This course investigates the sound patterns found in human languages. Phonetics is the study of these patterns from a physical and perceptual perspective while phonology is the study of sound patterns from a cognitive perspective. Activities in the class will expose students to the methodologies used by both perspectives (articulatory description and acoustic analysis for phonetics and formal theoretical models for phonology) and show the necessity and utility of both approaches in understanding the nature of sound patterns in human language. Typically offered every Spring.

238H Psychology of Language SO (Cross-listed in Psychology)

M.Boltz
Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or consent of instructor.

282H Structure of Chinese SO (Cross-listed in East Asian Studies)

S.Huang
This course is designed to provide an overview of the Chinese language and its structures in terms of sound, form, and meaning. The goal is to help students look at Chinese from both a historical and a theoretical perspective. Students from the linguistics background will have an opportunity to enrich and broaden their understanding of linguistic theories and methodologies, and to develop skills in analyzing a non-Indo-European language systematically, while students who have completed at least Second-year Chinese will be exposed to systematic analyses of the language to learn the general patterns. Prerequisite: At least two of the following: Introduction to Syntax, Introduction to Semantics, Introduction to Linguistics, Completion of Second-Year Chinese or above. Or consent of the instructor. Typically offered in alternate years.

365H The Politics of Language in the Spanish-Speaking World HU (Cross-listed in Spanish)

A.López-Sánchez
Prerequisite: A 200 level course or consent of instructor.

382H Topics in Chinese Syntax and Semantics HU (Cross-listed in East Asian Studies)

S.Huang
An examination of the core issues in the study of Chinese syntax and semantics, such as phrase structure, modification structure, quantification, or event semantics. The aim is to examine a rich array of data as analyzed by specialists and study the inner workings of the language and its theoretical implications. Prerequisite: Intro to Syntax and Intro to Semantics. Recommended but not required: Structure of Chinese. Sophomore standing or above. No knowledge of Chinese is required. Advanced Chinese students are welcome to email the instructor to discuss the possibility of taking this course. Typically offered in alternate years.

Bryn Mawr College courses in Linguistics:

LING B101 Introduction to Linguistics
LING B281 Language in Social Context
CMSC B325 Computational Linguistics

Swarthmore College currently offers the following courses in Linguistics:

Full Swarthmore course listing with location, times, and professors