Linguistics 11: Introduction to Language for Educators
(3 units)
Reedley College
Time: M 6:00 – 8:50 PM
Classroom: INC 4
Instructor: Dr. Tomoko Kozasa
Office: N/A
Phone: N/A
(559) 638-3641 (Reedley College Switchboard)
E-mail: tkozasa@csufresno.edu (Subject: Ling 11)
Textbook (Required):
.. Yule, George. 2006. The Study of Language: Third Edition. ISBN 0-521-54320-7
.. Blackboard: This course requires the use of Reedley College Blackboard
through internet connection. .
You should check Blackboard on a regular basis. The instructor puts announcements
and assignments on Blackboard. You can also view any updates to the syllabus, changes
to assignments, lecture notes, slide shows, and additional readings. In order to view
Blackboard, you must obtain Reedley College user ID#. If you have any problems, e-
mail the Blackboard Helpdesk at or call 265-5760.
Course Description:
This is an introductory course on the study of language. It is required for Liberal
Studies majors and students in the Multiple Subject Credential Blended Program. It is
transferable to CSU or UC system. English 1A is prerequisite for this course.
The primary objectives are to provide the tools and terms required in the discipline
and to make you become more aware of language – how it is acquired and how it is used.
Language will be examined analytically. Therefore, those who are taking this course for
the first time may experience something similar to a culture shock. You will find that
there are many misconceptions about language and will learn not to be swayed by these
misconceptions. Although this is an introductory course, you are expected to be creative
and to do critical thinking.
This course meets the content specifications in Reading, Language and Literature
Domain 1: Language and Linguistics, Sections 1.1 (Language Structure and Linguistics),
1.2 (Language Development and Acquisition) and 2.4 (Non-written Communication) as
part of the blended program in undergraduate teacher preparation which prepares
Multiple Subject candidates by connecting subject matter and pedagogical studies in a
manner that emphasizes quality, depth, rigor and scope.
Primary Learning Outcomes:
The learning outcomes are aligned with the content specifications in the subject area
assigned (Reading, Language and Literature (RLL) 1.1 and 1.2). Upon successful
completion of the course, the student will be able to identify and demonstrate an
understanding of:
RLL 1.1 Language Structure and Linguistics
1. The fundamental components of human language (phonology, morphology,
syntax, semantics, pragmatics).
2. Differences and universality among languages.
3. Similarities and differences among groups of phonemes (consonants and vowels-
place and manner of articulation).
4. Part of speech, their functions and morphology.
5. The use of syntactic components (phrases and clauses, verbals) to understand and
develop a variety of sentence types (simple, compound, and complex sentences).
RLL 1.2 Language Development and Acquisition
1. Development of first language and the acquisition of subsequent ones.
2. The principal observable milestones in each domain.
3. Language acquisition theories.
4. The range of issues related to the interaction of a first language and other
languages.
5. Special features that identify exceptional development separate from inter-
language effects.
RLL 2.4 Non-Written Communication
1. Knowledge of dialects, ideolects, and changes in what is considered standard oral
English usage and their effects on perceptions, stereotyping and bias.
Grading:
Homework 50% 90 – : A
Midterm Exam (2) 40% (20% x 3) 80 – 89: B
Final Exam 10% 70 – 79: C
Participation 10% 60 – 69: D
0 – 59: F
Course Requirements:
For the most part, one topic will be covered in one- or two-week class meetings.
Therefore, it is essential for you to complete the reading assignment before you come to
class. If you miss a lesson, it is your responsibility to catch up with what you missed by
asking your classmates and/or instructor. You are encouraged to share your thoughts
and to ask questions in class.
All assignments will be due at 6:00 PM on the day for which they are assigned.
Homework handed in late will be accepted but will be given no credit. No assignment
will be accepted via e-mail or Blackboard, unless the instructor advises you to do so.
More than 10 homework assignments will be given. The points from 10 homework
assignments will be counted toward your course grade.
Two midterm exams and a final exam will be given. There will be no make-up exam
under any circumstances. If there is a conflict with the exam schedule, please talk to the
instructor before the schedule date.
Your efforts in coming to class on time will be duly recognized. To get points for
class participation, regular attendance and participation in in-class exercises and -
discussions is important, as these exercises will not be announced. Two consecutive
absences will result in lowering one full letter grade. You may not pass the course, if you
are absent more than three weeks.
No extra-credit work will be given. Therefore, it is beneficial for you to work
diligently from the beginning.
Notes:
.. Plagiarized work or any form of cheating may result in a failing grade for the
semester.
.. If you are a student with a disability and have disability-related needs or concerns,
please notify the instructor and contact the Disabled Students Programs and Services
at (559) 638-0332. The TTY phone number is (559) 638-0356.
.. The instructor strongly suggests (and appreciates) that you actively interact with her
(in class or via e-mail ) and classmates by sharing linguistic
phenomena that you have encountered, raising questions, and/or participating in
class discussions.
Schedule (Subject to change)
Week
Topic
Reading
HW
Memo
1
Introduction
Syllabus
8/14
What is linguistics?
2
The sounds of language
Phonetics
HW1
8/26: Last day to
8/21
Ch.4
drop w/full refund
3
The sounds of English
Phonetics
HW2
9/01: Last day to
8/28
Ch.4
register
4
Labor Day (No class)
9/01: Last day to
9/4
drop w/o “W”
5
The sound patterns of English
Phonology
HW3
9/15: to change
9/11
Ch.5
grading options
6
The sound patterns of English
Phonology
HW4
9/18
Ch.5 & 3
7
Review
HW5
9/25
Morphology
MT 1
8
How words are built
Morphology
10/2
Ch.6 & 7
9
How words are built
Syntax
HW6
10/13: Last day to
10/9
The structure of sentences
Ch. 8
drop
10
The structure of phrases and
Syntax
HW7
10/16
sentences
Ch.8
11
Meaning in language
Semantics
HW8
10/23
Ch.10
12
Review
Pragmatics
HW9
10/30
Ch.11
MT 2
13
First language acquisition
Ch.14
11/6
14
Second language acquisition
Ch.15
11/13
15
The nature of langauge
Ch.2
HW10
11/20
16
Language, society and culture
Ch. 18-20
11/27
17
Application to classroom
HW11
12/4
Review
Final
12/11 (6:00-8:50 pm)
Open book/notes
.. All assignments will be due at 6:00 PM on the day for which they are assigned.
Homework handed in late will be accepted but will be given no credit.
.. Two midterm exams and a final exam will be given. There will be no make-up
exam under any circumstances. If there is a conflict with the exam schedule,
please talk to the instructor before the schedule date.
.. Two consecutive absences will result in lowering one full letter grade. You may
not pass the course, if you are absent more than three weeks.