University Catalog

LING 2301. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF HUMAN LANGUAGES. 3 Hours.

A variety of languages presented as a basis for discussion of topics such as: how languages are alike, and how different; how new languages arise; how human languages are reflections of human beings; how infants and adults acquire languages; how computers relate to human languages.

LING 2351. E-LANGUAGES. 3 Hours.

Human languages can be spoken or written, but today much of our language use is also transmitted through electronic devices. This course looks at aspects of language as reflected in the use of the technologies of modem life. Topics may include the language used in texting, chat, machine tools for recognizing print and speech, and computer translators.

LING 2371. LANGUAGE IN A MULTICULTURAL USA. 3 Hours.

This multiculturalism course examines the relationship of language in the U.S.A. to race, ethnicity, class, religion and gender. Topics typically covered include African American English, Spanish-English bilingualism and code-switching, Texas English, Asian language communities, and American Sign Language and Deaf culture. Additional topics vary.

LING 3301. TOPICS IN LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

Covers issues related to language and linguistics. Topics may include language and film/literature/pop culture, endangered languages, speech synthesis, applied linguistics, or other topics determined by instructor. May be repeated for credit when content changes. No prerequisites.

LING 3311. INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTIC SCIENCE. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to the field of linguistics, the systematic study of human language. Drawing on data from a range of languages, it will examine the sound patterns of language (phonetics and phonology), words and word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), meaning (semantics), and language in context (pragmatics). Emphasis will be placed on methods of linguistic analysis to solve problems in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Additional topics may include language acquisition; linguistic variation; and/or historical/comparative linguistics.

LING 3330. PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Human speech sounds from both physiological and cognitive perspectives; the range of speech sounds in language and the patterning of such sounds within particular language systems. Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 3340. GRAMMAR AND MORPHOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Grammatical patterns found in languages of the world, including the structure and distribution of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, and larger units. Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 3345. CRITICAL REASONING IN LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

A survey of formal logical approaches used to describe and explain natural language phenomena. Topics include the fundamentals of logical representation and argumentation, the effective use of inductive and deductive reasoning, and the construction of more complex linguistic arguments. Prerequisites: LING 3311 and either PHIL 1301 or PHIL 3321.

LING 3366. TOPICS IN RACE/ETHNICITY AND LANGUANGE IN THE U.S.. 3 Hours.

Either an intensive focus within one racial/ethnic group or a comparison between two or more groups. Focus may include language in the U.S. as it pertains to one (or more) of these communities: African Americans, Mexican Americans and Latinos/as, Native Americans, and/or Asian Americans. May be repeated for credit as course content changes.

LING 4301. PHONOLOGICAL THEORY I. 3 Hours.

(Also taught as LING 5320). Principles governing sound systems in human languages. Prerequisite: LING 3330.

LING 4303. FORMAL SYNTAX. 3 Hours.

Explores the grammatical structures characteristic of human language by analyzing data from diverse languages within the theoretical framework of formal syntax. (Also taught as LING 5330. Credit will be granted only once for LING 4303 or LING 5330.). Prerequisite: LING 3340.

LING 4317. SOCIOLINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

(Also taught as LING 5310). Language in its social context, including linguistic variation, address and reference, speech levels, bilingualism, code switching, speech acts, conversation analysis, and language and gender. Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4318. LANGUAGE AND GENDER. 3 Hours.

The role of language in the expression and creation of gender identities. Gender differences in language structure and use, women's and men's language in other cultures, the acquisition of gendered ways of speaking, and sexism in language. Offered as LING 4318 and WOMS 4318; formerly offered as LING 4392/WOMS 4392; credit will be granted only once. Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4320. HISTORICAL AND COMPARATIVE LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

(Also taught as LING 5314). Language development and change; the comparative method and its use in linguistic reconstruction; laws of language change. Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4326. BILINGUALISM. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to issues related to bilinguals and bilingualism. The areas that will be covered include different types of bilinguals/bilingualism, bilingual education, the cognitive benefits (or disadvantages) of being a bilingual, and language processing in bilinguals. (Also offered as LING 5326. Credit will be granted only once for LING 4326 or LING 5326.) Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4327. SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION. 3 Hours.

Processes of first and second language acquisition, their similarities and differences, language disorders, language perception and production, and implications of language acquisition research for linguistic theory and language teaching. Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4330. CORPUS LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

Applications of ways in which computer science and linguistics inform each other. Corpus linguistics focuses on how computers can be used to both obtain the data that we examine and to provide the tools we use for analysis. Includes readings, practical experience with several different software programs, and using sources of online corpora. Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4334. MORPHOLOGY. 3 Hours.

A theoretical and typological investigation into the nature of word-structure and word-formation processes in human languages. Prerequisite: LING 4301 or LING 4303.

LING 4335. LANGUAGE UNIVERSALS & LINGUISTIC TYPOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Consideration of universals in human language, their explanation and description, and language types. Prerequisite: LING 4301.

LING 4345. SEMANTICS. 3 Hours.

Considers meaning with respect to how humans form concepts in terms of semantic features, categorization, prototype imaging, cultural scenes, scripting and coherence within world views. Prerequisite: LING 3340.

LING 4347. PRAGMATICS. 3 Hours.

Analysis of how context and form interact with meaning. Topics may include deixis, reference, speech acts, presupposition, implicature, information structure and intonation. Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4353. TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE. 3 Hours.

Presentation and critique of methodologies of teaching English to speakers of other languages, with emphasis on teaching techniques of aural comprehension; speaking, reading, and writing skills; testing, language laboratory, and linguistic-cultural differences.(Also taught as LING 5301. Credit will be granted only once for LING 4353 or LING 5301.) Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4354. METHODS AND MATERIALS TO TEACH ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE. 3 Hours.

Systematic study of the application of linguistic theory and findings; emphasis on pedagogical strategies, materials, and tests; attention to current and past research and practices. (Also taught as LING 5302. Credit will be granted only once for LING 4354 or LING 5302.) Prerequisite: LING 3311 and LING 4353.

LING 4360. NON-WESTERN LINGUISTIC STRUCTURES. 3 Hours.

Study of a selected non-Western language, language family or language area based on descriptive linguistic analysis. May be repeated once for credit as the topic varies. Prerequisite: LING 3330 and LING 3340.

LING 4362. LANGUAGE DOCUMENTATION. 3 Hours.

The course discusses fundamental issues that are part of language documenting and description. These include project design, research ethics and intellectual property, researcher and community rights and responsibilities, world language ecology, technology and software, archiving issues, grant-writing fundamentals, and related issues that form best practices for language documentation projects. (Also offered as LING 5362. Credit will be granted only once for LING 4362 or LING 5362.) Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4363. LANGUAGE ENDANGERMENT AND REVITALIZATION. 3 Hours.

This course examines language endangerment and what it means for a language to become endangered, and studies language revitalization. Case studies are presented where communities seek to maintain the number of speakers or revive the language. (Also offered as LING 5363.Credit will be granted only once for LING 4363 or LING 5363.) Prerequisite: LING 3311.

LING 4370. HISTORY OF LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

Surveys the recent history of the field of linguistics and familiarizes students with the key figures and theories in recent linguistic history, with special attention to the development and emergence of generative theories of syntax, semantics, and phonology. Prerequisite: LING 3330 and LING 3340 and either LING 4301 or LING 4303.

LING 4389. TOPICS IN LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

Current topics in linguistics research. May be repeated if topic changes. Prerequisite: Either LING 3330, LING 3340, or LING 4317, and permission of undergraduate advisor.

LING 4391. CONFERENCE COURSE IN LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

Independent study in the preparation of a paper on a research topic; consultation with instructor on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Either LING 3311, LING 3330, or LING 3340, and permission of undergraduate advisor.

LING 4395. INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.

Internship (paid or unpaid) supervised by a faculty internship coordinator, with the student performing duties related to the academic curriculum of linguistics and/or TESOL. Students are required to submit an approved academic project related to the work performed. May be repeated with the approval of the Undergraduate Advisor. Prerequisite: LING 4327 and LING 4354.

LING 5100. THESIS WRITING SEMINAR. 1 Hour.

Techniques for researching and writing a thesis/dissertation in linguistics. Required of all students who have elected the Thesis or Thesis Substitute degree option in Linguistics. Prerequisite: completion of at least 9 hours of LING courses.

LING 5110. TESOL PRACTICUM. 1 Hour.

In observing ESOL classes or in teaching learners of ESOL, the student demonstrates ability to apply the principles presented in the TESOL Certificate coursework. Prerequisite: LING 5302 and LING 5305 and permission of instructor.

LING 5190. CONFERENCE COURSE IN LINGUISTICS. 1 Hour.

Graded P/F. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

LING 5300. LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to the field of linguistics, the systematic study of human language. Drawing on data from a range of languages, it will examine the sound patterns of language (phonetics and phonology), words and word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), meaning (semantics), and language in context (pragmatics). Emphasis will be placed on methods of linguistic analysis to solve problems in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. May not be used to fulfill M.A. or Ph.D. degree requirements in linguistics.

LING 5301. TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE. 3 Hours.

Presentation and critique of methodologies of teaching English to speakers of other languages, with emphasis on techniques of teaching aural comprehension; speaking, reading, and writing skills; attention to testing, language laboratory, and linguistic-cultural differences.

LING 5302. METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE. 3 Hours.

Systematic study of the application of linguistic theory and findings; emphasis on pedagogical strategies, materials, and tests; attention to current and past research and practices. Prerequisite: LING 5301.

LING 5303. CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS AND ERROR ANALYSIS IN THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE. 3 Hours.

A study of contrastive analysis and error analysis as means of defining student problems and progress; emphasis on current research; application to specific problems and contexts. Prerequisite: LING 5300 and LING 5301.

LING 5304. PEDAGOGICAL GRAMMAR OF ENGLISH. 3 Hours.

Grammaticality, variation, and acceptability applied to teaching English as a second or foreign language. Problems of description; means of application; adaptation to current pedagogical methods. Prerequisite: LING 5300 and LING 5301.

LING 5305. SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION. 3 Hours.

Study of the processes of first and second language acquisition, their similarities and differences, language disorders, language perception and production, and implications of language acquisition research for linguistic theory and language teaching. Prerequisite: LING 5300 or permission of instructor.

LING 5306. TESOL CURRICULUM DESIGN. 3 Hours.

Systematic presentation of elements in development, management and evaluation of TESOL programs. Attention to needs analysis, syllabus design, materials selection and adaptation, teaching and evaluation in language curriculum design. Prerequisite: LING 5301.

LING 5307. PEDAGOGICAL PHONOLOGY OF ENGLISH. 3 Hours.

A study of the sound system of English. Topics include segmental phonemes, stress, length, intonation and variation at the lexical and utterance levels. Application to teaching English as a second or foreign language. Problems of description; means of application; adaptation to current pedagogical methods. Prerequisite: LING 5300 and LING 5301.

LING 5310. SOCIOLINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

The study of language and social context (made up of society and individuals). Content includes language as a social phenomenon, theoretical perspectives on relationship between language, society and individuals, basic concepts in sociolinguistics; and may include topics in macro- and micro-sociolinguistics such as multilingualism, language planning and standardization, linguistic variation, code switching, conversational analysis, and language and gender.

LING 5311. SOCIOLINGUISTICS OF SOCIETY. 3 Hours.

The study of macro-sociolinguistics, including topics such as multilingualism, language standardization and planning, literacy, language dominance, maintenance and death, language and identity, diglossia, and pidgins and creoles. Prerequisite: LING 5310.

LING 5312. LANGUAGE AND GENDER. 3 Hours.

The role of language in the expression and creation of gender identities. Gender differences in language structure and use, men's and women's languages in other cultures, the acquisition of gendered ways of speaking, and sexism in language. Prerequisite: LING 5310.

LING 5313. TOPICS IN SOCIOLINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

Selected topics relating the scientific methodologies of linguistics to larger concerns of society and culture including cognition, motivation, description and analysis. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: LING 5310.

LING 5314. HISTORICAL AND COMPARATIVE LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

The study of language development and change; comparative method and its use in linguistic reconstruction; laws of language change. Prerequisite: LING 3330 or permission of instructor.

LING 5320. PHONOLOGICAL THEORY. 3 Hours.

Explores the principles governing sound systems in human languages. Prerequisite: LING 3330 or permission of instructor.

LING 5321. ADVANCED PHONOLOGICAL THEORY. 3 Hours.

A continuation of LING 5320. Topics include autosegmental analysis, lexical phonology, metrical phonology and phonological feature geometry. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: LING 5320.

LING 5322. LABORATORY PHONOLOGY. 3 Hours.

An investigation into the physical properties of human speech. Students will gain hands-on experience with computer-assisted speech analysis. No prior computer experience is assumed. Prerequisite: LING 5320.

LING 5326. BILINGUALISM. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to issues related to bilinguals and bilingualism. The areas that will be covered include different types of bilinguals/bilingualism, bilingual education, the cognitive benefits (or disadvantages) of being a bilingual, and language processing in bilinguals. Prequisite: LING 5300.

LING 5328. PSYCHOLINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce students to psycholinguistics, or the study of the cognitive processes involved in the acquisition, comprehension, and production of language. The class will focus mainly on language perception and production by native speakers, but will also address issues related to bilingual/second language processing. Prerequisite: LING 5300.

LING 5330. FORMAL SYNTAX. 3 Hours.

Explores the grammatical structures characteristic of human language by analyzing data from diverse languages within the theoretical framework of formal syntax. Prerequisite: LING 3340 or permission of instructor.

LING 5331. ADVANCED FORMAL SYNTAX. 3 Hours.

A continuation of LING 5330. Investigates theoretical controversies in formal syntax and provides extensive opportunity for application in linguistic field work. Prerequisite: LING 5330.

LING 5334. MORPHOLOGY. 3 Hours.

A theoretical and typological investigation into the nature of word-structure and word-formation processes in human languages. Prerequisite: LING 5320 or LING 5330.

LING 5335. LANGUAGE UNIVERSALS AND LINGUISTIC TYPOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Consideration of universals in human language, their explanation and description, and language types. Prerequisite: LING 5330.

LING 5345. SEMANTICS. 3 Hours.

Considers meaning with respect to how humans form concepts in terms of semantic features, categorization, prototype imaging, cultural scenes, scripting and coherence within world views. Prerequisite: LING 3340 or permission of instructor.

LING 5346. TOPICS IN APPLIED LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

LING 5347. PRAGMATICS. 3 Hours.

Analysis of how context and form interact with meaning. Topics may include deixis, reference, speech acts, presupposition, implicature, information structure and intonation.

LING 5350. TEXT ANALYSIS. 3 Hours.

Methods of charting and analyzing texts to reveal the systematic contributions of pragmatic choices to their organization and meaning. Prerequisite: LING 3340.

LING 5360. NON-WESTERN LINGUISTIC STRUCTURES. 3 Hours.

Study of a selected non-Western language, language family or language area based on descriptive linguistic analysis. May be repeated once for credit as the topic varies. Prerequisite: LING 3330 and LING 3340.

LING 5361. READINGS IN NON-WESTERN LINGUISTIC STRUCTURES. 3 Hours.

May not be used to fulfill the non-Western language requirement.

LING 5362. LANGUAGE DOCUMENTATION. 3 Hours.

The course discusses fundamental issues that are part of language documenting and description. These include project design, research ethics and intellectual property, researcher and community rights and responsibilities, world language ecology, technology and software, archiving issues, grant-writing fundamentals, and related issues that form best practices for language documentation projects. Prequisite: LING 5300.

LING 5363. LANGUAGE ENDANGERMENT AND REVITALIZATION. 3 Hours.

This course examines language endangerment and what it means for a language to become endangered, and studies language revitalization. Case studies are presented where communities seek to maintain the number of speakers or revive the language. Also offered as LING 4363. Credit will be granted only once for LING 4363 or LING 5363. Prerequisite: LING 5300.

LING 5370. HISTORY OF LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

Surveys the recent history of the field of linguistics and familiarizes students with the key figures and theories in recent linguistic history, with special attention to the development and emergence of generative theories of syntax, semantics, and phonology. Prerequisite: LING 5320 or LING 5330.

LING 5371. SURVEY OF THEORIES IN APPLIED LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

A comparison and contrast of various linguistic theories, with consideration of their implications for application to real-world problems involving language. Prerequisite: LING 5305.

LING 5372. READINGS IN LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: LING 5330.

LING 5380. FIELD METHODS. 3 Hours.

The principles, techniques and practical aspects of linguistic field research. The course includes extensive practice in eliciting data (phonological, morpho-syntactic, textual and lexical) directly from a native speaker, as well as in managing, analyzing and describing the data obtained. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: LING 5300. Permission of the Graduate Advisor.

LING 5381. CORPUS LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

Applications of ways in which computer science and linguistics inform each other. Corpus linguistics focuses on how computers can be used to both obtain the data that we examine and to provide the tools we use for analysis. Includes readings, practical experience with several different software programs, and using sources of online corpora.

LING 5391. CONFERENCE COURSE IN LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

LING 5392. THESIS SUBSTITUTE. 3 Hours.

LING 5393. TESOL TEACHING AND OBSERVATION. 3 Hours.

In teaching learners of ESOL and observing ESOL classes, the student demonstrates ability to apply the principles presented in the M.A. TESOL coursework. Prerequisite: LING 5302 and LING 5305 and permission of instructor.

LING 5395. GRADUATE INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.

Employment (paid or unpaid) supervised by a faculty internship coordinator, with the student performing duties related to the academic curriculum of linguistics and/or TESOL. Students are required to submit an approved academic project related to the work performed. May be repeated with approval of Graduate Advisor.

LING 5398. THESIS. 3 Hours.

LING 5698. THESIS. 6 Hours.

LING 5998. THESIS. 9 Hours.

LING 6191. RESEARCH IN LINGUISTICS. 1 Hour.

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

LING 6199. DISSERTATION. 1 Hour.

LING 6291. RESEARCH IN LINGUISTICS. 2 Hours.

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

LING 6300. PROFESSIONAL WRITING SEMINAR. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of at least 9 hours of LING courses.

LING 6360. DISCOURSE THEORY SEMINAR. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

LING 6380. FIELD METHODS SEMINAR. 3 Hours.

Second part of field methods sequence. Prerequisite: LING 5380.

LING 6381. RESEARCH DESIGN AND STATISTICS. 3 Hours.

Practical training in methodologies and analytical techniques common in linguistic research. Topics include qualitative vs. quantitative data analysis, questionnaire design and administration, laboratory protocol, field protocol, population sampling, statistical analysis, and research ethics.

LING 6390. LINGUISTICS SEMINAR. 3 Hours.

Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

LING 6391. RESEARCH IN LINGUISTICS. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

LING 6392. SEMINAR IN PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY. 3 Hours.

In-depth investigation of research into a specialized area of phonetics and/or phonology. Course registrants will develop original research focusing on topic at-hand, with results exchanged through discussion, presentations/reports, and/or papers. Prerequisites: LING 5321 or permission of the instructor.

LING 6393. SEMINAR IN SYNTAX. 3 Hours.

In-depth investigation of research into a specialized area of syntax. Course registrants will develop original research focusing on topic at-hand, with results exchanged through discussion, presentations/reports, and/or papers. Prerequisites: LING 5331 or permission of instructor.

LING 6394. SEMINAR IN SEMANTICS AND PRAGMATICS. 3 Hours.

In-depth investigation of research into a specialized area of meaning: semantics and/or pragmatics. Course registrants will develop original research focusing on topic at-hand, with results exchanged through discussion, presentations/reports, and/or papers. Prerequisites: LING 5345 or LING 5347 or permission of instructor.

LING 6395. SEMINAR IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION. 3 Hours.

In-depth investigation of research into a specialized area of second language acquisition. Course registrants will develop original research focusing on topic at-hand, with results exchanged through discussion, presentations/reports, and/or papers. Prerequisites: LING 5305 or permission of the instructor.

LING 6399. DISSERTATION. 3 Hours.

LING 6491. RESEARCH IN LINGUISTICS. 4 Hours.

Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

LING 6591. RESEARCH IN LINGUISTICS. 5 Hours.

LING 6691. RESEARCH IN LINGUISTICS. 6 Hours.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

LING 6699. DISSERTATION. 6 Hours.

LING 6999. DISSERTATION. 9 Hours.

LING 7399. DOCTORAL DEGREE COMPLETION. 3 Hours.

This course may be taken during the semester in which a student expects to complete all requirements for the doctoral degree and graduate. Enrolling in this course meets minimum enrollment requirements for graduation, for holding fellowships awarded by The Office of Graduate Studies and for full-time GTA or GRA positions. Students should verify that enrollment in this course meets other applicable enrollment requirements. To remain eligible in their final semester of study for grants, loans or other forms of financial aid administered by the Financial Aid Office must enroll in a minimum of 5 hours as required by the Office of Financial Aid. Other funding sources may also require more than 3-hours of enrollment. Additional hours may also be required to meet to requirements set by immigration law or by the policies of the student's degree program. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office, other sources of funding, Office of International Education and/or their graduate advisor to verify enrollment requirements before registering for this course. This course may only be taken once and may not be repeated. Students who do not complete all graduation requirements while enrolled in this course must enroll in a minimum of 6 dissertation hours (6699 or 6999) in their graduation term. Graded P/F/R.