van Vlack
Sookmyung Women`s University
Graduate School of English
Introduction to Linguistics
Policy
Fall 2004
Overview: This three-hour-per-week course is designed to provide students with instruction in and the chance to develop a keen understanding of the basic underpinnings or modern linguistic theory. In this process we will be looking at the two sides of language argued by Chomsky: i-language and e-language. In referring to i-language we are referring predominantly to what is known as standard theory as developed by Noam Chomsky, particularly in the field of syntax. In referring to e-language we will take a quick, short stab at what is called the mental lexicon In order to provide the basic background knowledge and to give the students the change to heighten their presentation skills, the students will also be asked to read and present papers on different aspects of the i-language e-language continuum.
Objectives: This course has three main objectives: to get the students to have a clear understanding of the principles of modern syntactic theory, to acquire a good underlying knowledge of the lexical systems of language so that they can form a more complete understanding of the language faculty, and to have a better control of English language, particularly in the areas of presentation skills. By the end of the course all students should be able to explain clearly and concisely how syntax works according to the theories proposed by Chomsky as well as how this might be complemented through lexical theories.
Text and Materials:
This is our main text and we will be going through it very carefully. Make sure you have it and that you follow the assignments and readings from the text.
In addition to the main text there will also be a secondary text will be covered in class.
Several additional texts in relation to the lexical side of language will also be covered. These texts will be available in the form of handouts at the beginning of the semester.
Additional Materials: Students must bring to each class a folder to hold any papers that the instructor gives out.
Methodology
English Only: Students must conduct all course work in English. This means all writing, note-taking, and discussion must be in English. Use of Korean will result in a significantly lower participation grade.
Classroom: Various approaches will be employed in the classroom. Direct lecturing on the part of the instructor will kept to a minimum while group work, presentations, in-class activities, and direct and indirect questioning will be stressed. Remember students, you are linguists. You have to be critical of what you read and hear. It is important that you question everything until you are satisfied that you understand.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Two or more absences will result in a significantly lowered final grade. Being late twice is counted as an absence. Arriving more than half an hour late is also counted as an absence. Students themselves are responsible for all material covered and assigned in class during their absence. If you are going to be absent and know it beforehand, make sure you contact your teacher as far in advance as possible.
Assignments
Homework: Students will be given homework for each class. This homework will take the form of reading, answering focus questions, doing problem sets and presenting their answers. Students are encouraged to work with others on their homework, but all assignments must be written up and submitted independently.
Exams
Midterm Paper: The mid-term paper is due in the ninth week of class (November 2nd) It will be a short five page paper. Students can choose any topic that is related to what we are doing in class, but topics must be discussed will the teacher prior to doing any work on them.
Final Paper: The final paper will be due after the class is finished. The exact date has yet to be determined. This paper should be 15 pages in length and students can select their own topics or can get one from the teacher if they prefer.
Grades: Final grades will be based on performance in the following categories.
Participation 25%
Homework Assignments 35%
Mid-term paper 10%
Final paper 30%
Important Notes
-Late assignments will not be accepted for marks and missed in class work cannot be made up. If, however, you know in advance that you will be late or absent make sure you contact the teacher and maybe something can be worked out.
-The penalty for plagiarism and cheating is automatic failure. Know what it is and don`t try it.
Instructor - Stephen P. van Vlack
Office - Sookmyung Professional Center 410
Tel. - 710-7761
E-mail - [email protected]
Website
There will be a website for this class. Each week both before and after class materials will be added to the site, so make sure you check it regularly. The address is: http://www.geocities.com/utlaagt
Bibliographical Listing of Additional Texts
Allan, Keith. (2001) Natural language semantics. Oxford: Blackwell. pp. 41-74.
Lewis, Michael. (1993) The lexical approach. Hove: Language Teaching Publications. pp. 89-104.