Graduate Courses Schedule (Fall 2024)

For Ph.D./M.A. in Linguistics, M.A. in Computational Linguistics

LIN 521 Syntax I, MW 2:00PM-3:20PM, Francisco Ordonez

A study of formal grammar as one aspect of our knowledge of language. Concepts and elements of modern syntactic analysis are introduced and motivated using a variety of grammatical phenomena and processes, across a wide range of languages. Prerequisite: Enrollment in LIN program or permission of instructor.

LIN 523 Phonology I, MW 11:00AM-12:20PM, Kevin Hughes

An introduction to the formal study of sound patterns. Problems from various languages serve as the basis for developing a theory of the representation of sound structure. Prerequisite: Enrollment in LIN program or permission of instructor.

LIN 537 Computational Linguistics I, MW 3:30PM-4:50PM, Jordan Kodner

A hands-on introduction to practical aspects of computational linguistics. Students learn how to perform common tasks such as tagging and tokenization with a state-of-the-art programming language. Topics include basic data structures and algorithms, n-gram models, regular expressions, and corpus linguistics.

LIN 539 Mathematical Methods in Linguistics, MW 9:30AM-10:50AM, Thomas Graf

An overview of the mathematical foundations of theoretical and computational linguistics. Topics covered include set theory, morphisms, logic and model theory, algebra, lattices, lambda calculus, probability theory, information theory, and basics of formal language theory. A strong emphasis is put on the linguistic application of the mathematical concepts in the study and analysis of natural language data.

LIN 600 Colloquium in Linguistics, F 2:00PM-4:50PM, Thomas Graf

An introduction to research in linguistics, with presentations by faculty and visiting scientists. Topics include current research questions and ethics of research and publishing. The course will also cover responsible conduct in research and scholarship

LIN 651 Syntax Seminar: Topics in Syntax Architecture - The syntax of Agree(ment), TuTh 12:30PM-1:50PM, Sandhya Sundaresan

LIN 651: The syntax of Agree(ment):

In the most minimal version of Chomskyan Minimalism, there are precisely two operations in syntax: Merge (structure building) and Agree (structure modification). In this course, we will examine the intricacies of the Agree algorithm in detail -- both in its classic and in its subsequently modified versions (e.g. cyclic, multiple, omnivorous Agree, the Interaction/Satisfaction model). We will look at the role of Agree in deriving a range of syntactic phenomena such as phi-agreement, Person Case Constraint (PCC) effects, control & anaphora, allocutive-agreement, & case. Main issues covered:

motivation & description (what exactly is Agree and why do we need it)
order-of-operations (how does Agree interact with other operations -- e.g. Merge & Move -- and where in the grammar does it occur?)
troubleshooting (what does Agree get wrong? How has Agree been modified to deal with this?)
challenges (what are some phenomena that Agree, as it stands, cannot account for? Here, we will look primarily at distinctness effects in syntax, like case)

Students will be graded based on presentations (e.g. of weekly readings), course assignments (e.g. problem-set or short reaction-statement to a reading or puzzle), and a final project.

LIN 653: Phonology Seminar: Prosody (Intonational Phonology), TuTh 11:00AM-12:20PM, Jiwon Yun

Intonation is a significant component of language, providing clues to various linguistic structures and conveying meanings that may extend beyond the words themselves. This seminar explores intonation as a phonological structure, with a particular focus on its relationship with information structures. A list of required and recommended readings will be provided at the beginning of the course, including seminal studies on phonological theories of intonation and its interface with information structure, as well as recent journal articles on various languages and phenomena.

LIN 655: Computational Linguistics Seminar: Logical Structures in Phonology, TuTh 9:30AM-10:50AM, Jeffrey Heinz

The first half of this seminar explores how to express phonological grammars and representations using logical languages and model-theory, paying close attention to typology and making points of comparison to rule-based and constraint-based theories of phonology. The second half of this semester focuses on problems of learning and acquisition of phonological grammars from a computational perspective.

Enrolled students will participate in the three ways. They will write a short paper analyzing some phonological dataset using the techniques learned in the first part of the course. They will lead discussion and presentation of one of the course's topics and papers. They will conduct a research project related to the course material.

For M.A. in TESOL

LIN 522 Phonetics, TuTh 05:00PM-06:20PM, Marie Huffman

A study of articulatory phonetics and the international phonetic alphabet, with intensive practice in phonetic transcription from a wide variety of languages. Acoustic phonetics, speech perception, and the applications of phonetics to foreign language teaching.

LIN 524 TESOL Pedagogy: Theory and Practice (Methods I), sec. 1 Tu 6:30PM-9:20PM, sec. 2 Th 6:30PM-9:20PM, TBA

Theory and practical methodology of language and literacy instruction and assessment to children and adolescents for whom English is not their first language, in alignment with current state, national, and professional standards. Inquiry into instructional approaches, standard-based and data-driven lesson planning, and reflective practices in the teaching and assessment of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Review and evaluation of resources and technologies. 3 credits, letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc)

LIN 527 Structure of English, MW 5:00PM-6:20PM, TBA

A description of the major sentence elements, subsystems, and productive grammatical processes of English. The justification of grammatical categories, interaction between systems and processes, and notions of standard and correctness are discussed with a view to their application in the ESL classroom.

LIN 530 Intro to General Linguistics, TuTh 5:00PM-6:20PM, Richard Larson

An introduction to modern theoretical and applied linguistics, including phonology, morphology, syntax, language acquisition, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics.

LIN 541 Bilingualism, MW 06:30PM-07:50PM, TBA

Study of the social, linguistic, educational, and psychological aspects of bilingualism.

LIN 542 Sociolinguistics, TuTh 12:30PM-01:50PM, Joy Janzen

An introduction to major topics in sociolinguistics, including variation theory, language attitudes, language planning, language change, and pidgins and creoles.

LIN 544 Language Acquisition and Literacy Development, M 06:30PM-09:20PM, Joy Janzen

In-depth exploration of the theories of literacy and language development of native English speakers and students who are English language learners pre-school through grade 12. The development and assessment of literacy skills among children at various stages of learning development and across disciplines will be examined. Attention will also be given to children with special needs and the integration of technology in the development of literacy skills.

LIN 574: Managing Instruction, Assessment, and Resources in TESOL, M 4:30PM -7:20PM, Denise Hannaoui

Investigation and evaluation of instructional planning and assessment aligned with current state, national, and professional standards. Teacher candidates practice content-based curriculum development, and use of technologies for language and literacy development among English language learners and reflect on their teaching in multi-level classrooms. Partnerships with colleagues, parents and the respective communities are explored. 3 credits, letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc)