English 400-001
Introduction to English Linguistics
Instr: Amsler, Mark E
Office: CRT 568, 229-5043
e-mail: mamsler@uwm.edu
Office hours: TBA & by appointment.
Course Information: M-F 5:00pm-8:15pm CRT 321
Course Description:
This course introduces you to fundamental topics and methods of analysis in linguistics: phonetics and phonology (sounds), morphology (inflections), syntax (sentences), semantics (meaning), and discourse. We will explore these areas through theory and concrete analysis, using examples from English and other languages as appropriate. Why do we pronounce words differently depending on the contexts in which they appear? How do different languages form questions, and what does that tell us about grammar? What's the difference between learning our first language and a second (or third) language? Why are some dialects more prestigious than others? Is there such a thing as 'literary language'?
Lots of in-class activities, description and analysis projects, and problem solving.
Edward Finegan, Language: Its Structure and Use; OSU Language Files
