Undergraduate Bulletin

Fall 2024

LIN: Linguistics

LIN 101: Human Language

An introduction to the fundamental areas and concepts of modern linguistics. Sounds and their structure, word structure, and sentence structure are discussed. Other topics may include historical linguistics (how languages change over time), dialects, writing systems, language and the brain, and psycholinguistics (especially the question of how children acquire a language).

DEC:     F
SBC:     SBS, SNW

3 credits

LIN 110: The Anatomy of English Words

An introduction to the analysis of complex words in English, especially those based on Latin and Greek models that comprise the majority of the vocabulary in the written language. Students will be introduced to Latin and Greek roots and the processes by which complex words are built by affixing material to these roots and modifying their structure. Students will acquire general analytical tools that will allow them to understand complex words that they may not have previously encountered. The course will introduce students to principles of linguistic morphology that extend beyond English to all human languages.

DEC:     F
SBC:     SBS

3 credits

LIN 120: Language and Technology

An introduction to how computers process language and solve language-related tasks. This course discusses the language technologies of our daily life --- spam filtering, machine translation, and many more --- and shows how they work under the hood. The course explores a variety of issues: Why do computers do well in some areas (spell checking) yet fail miserably in others (essay grading)? Will we ever have perfectly fluent AIs as depicted in science fiction? And how will these technological advances impact the role of language in our society? Students will also acquire basic programming skills and write scripts for simple language tasks. No previous training in mathematics or computer science required.

SBC:     TECH

3 credits

LIN 200: Language in the United States

Survey of the languages and language-related issues in the United States. Topics include Native American languages; immigrant languages; dialectal variations (e.g., Black English); the domains in which these languages were and are used; maintenance and loss of minority languages; language contact and its effects; the use of Spanish; language attitudes and politics is including bilingual education; and official language movements. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of American English from colonial times to its present world-wide status; the use and impact of Spanish; language attitudes and politics including bilingual education; and official language movements.

DEC:     K
SBC:     DIV, SBS, USA

3 credits

LIN 201: Phonetics

Introduction to the sounds used in human language. Topics include articulatory phonetics, phonetic transcription, the sound structure of English, sounds and sound patterns in languages of the world, the acoustic properties of sounds, speech perception, and speech technology. Includes work in the phonetics laboratory on computer analysis of speech.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101

DEC:     F
SBC:     SBS+

4 credits

LIN 202: Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology

Introduction to the sounds used in human language. Topics include articulatory phonetics, phonetic transcription, the sound structure of English, sounds and sound patterns in languages of the world, phonemic analysis, phonological alternations and morphophonological processes.

Prerequisite: C or better in any 100- or 200- level LIN course

SBC:     SBS

3 credits

LIN 230: Languages of the World

An introduction to the diversity and common properties of the more than six thousand languages spoken in the world today. This course will discuss how the languages of each family are related to each other, and what these relationships say about human origins and the peopling of the globe. The course will also analyze the world's languages in terms of the structures of their sentences, sounds, and words, and will discuss a number of global questions: Does your language affect your thought? What is the relation between politics and languages? What is writing? How do completely new languages emerge?

Advisory Prerequisite: LIN 101

DEC:     J
SBC:     DIV, GLO

3 credits

LIN 235: Signed Languages & Deaf Communities

This course will allow students to explore American Sign Language and signed languages through an interdisciplinary lens. The course examines: signed languages' histories and linguistic structure; how Deaf Communities emerge (and the socio-cultural-educational dynamics of their formation--or not); what a "Deaf Identity" means in the context of disability and cultural identity; and discusses issues of linguistic and clinical relevance such as language deprivation and exposure diversity, language innovation, language intervention, and sign language disorders.

SBC:     DIV, SBS, USA

3 credits

LIN 240: Spanish in the U.S.

Provides a descriptive and critical overview of the linguistic aspects of the different Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. It presents and discusses issues related to the linguistic, sociolinguistic and historical aspects of the use of Spanish in the United States and their impact on the individual, and the American society. In the discussion of Spanish in the U.S., the course introduces concepts revolving around language contact, language use, grammar, language attitudes, heritage speakers, bilingualism, code-switching, and language shift and maintenance. The course will focus on the Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban communities in the U.S. from the point of view of dialectal and sociolectal distribution, but also discusses European settlement and migration patterns. Finally the course will examine the role of Spanish in Education and the future of the Spanish language in the US. This course is taught in English.

DEC:     K
SBC:     SBS, USA

3 credits

LIN 250: Languages and Cultures of Asian Americans

Study of language use and cultural accommodation in selected Asian American communities in relation to the changing roles of Asians in U.S. society from the early democracy to the present. Issues include linguistic and cultural diversity of Asia and Asian Americans; comparison of Asian and European immigration patterns; struggle for equality and acceptance; cultural factors in assimilation; patterns of Asian language use and maintenance in various domains; the role of language in ethnic identity; attitudes toward English and bilingualism; bilingualism as a problem and as a resource. This course is offered as both AAS 250 and LIN 250.

Prerequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent

DEC:     K
SBC:     SBS, USA

3 credits

LIN 260: Language and Mind

An introduction to the study of the human mind, starting with modern scientific investigations of language, and then its relationship with other systems such as music perception, visual narrative, numerical cognition as well as comparison to animal cognition. What is innate and what does "innateness" mean? Do the brain mechanisms subserving language also support musical and numerical cognition? How is language related to thought and to action? Students will be exposed to research across several disciplines (linguistics, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience) and will acquire a basic understanding of modern experimental tools for investigating the human mind.

SBC:     SBS, SNW

3 credits

LIN 270: Language and Politics

Examines the pervasive interaction of language and politics, which falls at the intersection of Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Political Science, and Cultural Anthropology. Issues of language ideologies, politicization of language, linguistic markers of national, ethnic and sexual identity, language policy, bilingual education policy, and manipulation of linguistic metaphor in modern politics, both domestic and international, will be examined in detail. Students will explore the consequences for secessionist movement, language policy and linguistic human rights across a range of case studies.

SBC:     GLO, SBS

3 credits

LIN 280: Language in Social Media

Social media came into being along with the internet in the 1990s, and have rapidly become an ubiquitous form of communication and information. This course provides an exploration of how language is used in social media, and how language in social media can be analyzed. We start out by understanding how humans form social networks and what the properties of these networks are. We then compare how the emergence of social media has changed the manner in which we humans communicate, and investigate possible positive and negative effects of this change. One of the major effects is that many more people are 'publishing' today, and we will discover how this has affected public language use. We also discuss the technology behind social media, and learn about the dangers in social media. We also discuss the technologies used in social media, and learn about the potential and the dangers that lie in these technologies.

SBC:     STAS

3 credits

LIN 301: Phonology

An introduction to the sound systems of languages focusing on the mental representation of sound structure: how speakers use knowledge of their language to assign meaning to different combinations of sounds. We will examine data from a number of languages to explore the differences and similarities among the sound patterns of different languages, and will consider the question of whether there are universal preferences for specific types of sounds and sound sequences.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 201

4 credits

LIN 307: Sociolinguistics

An examination of the interaction between language and society, focusing on diversity in American English as it relates to differences in gender, geography, social class, ethnicity, and national origin. Study of the development of dialects including African-American Vernacular English, and pidgins and creoles such as Hawiian Pidgin English and Chinook Trade Jargon, within the context of historical developments in the U.S. from colonial times to the present.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101

DEC:     K
SBC:     ESI, SBS+

3 credits

LIN 308: Language Variation and Change

An introduction to the quantitative study of language variation and language change.

Prerequisite: LIN 101 and LIN 201

3 credits

LIN 311: Syntax

An introduction to generative grammar: the formal theory of sentence structure.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101

DEC:     F

4 credits

LIN 320: English Grammar

This course is a systematic survey of English grammar: its major structures, their interaction, and their use. It will also briefly examine some related areas connected to writing like punctuation and spelling.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101

3 credits

LIN 321: Morphology and Word Formation

The internal structure of complex words. A variety of analytical methods is introduced, together with examples from English and many other languages. Previously offered as LIN 464. Not for credit in addition to LIN 464.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101

3 credits

LIN 324: Romance Linguistics

The history and contemporary structures of the Romance languages. We will examine the many similarities in their grammatical structures, as well as the differences in their phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexicon. In addition to the standard European varieties of Romance languages (French, Italian, Portuguese, Rumanian, Spanish), we will study the "minor" Romance languages (Latin American varieties of Spanish, Catalan, French Creoles, Italian "dialects", etc.). This course is offered as both HUL 324 and LIN 324.

Pre- or corequisite: One of the following: FRN 312, ITL 312, LAT 112, SPN 312

Advisory Prerequisites: LIN 101, LIN 201, LIN 211

DEC:     I
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

LIN 330: Language Acquisition

Introduction to the field of language acquisition. Topics include cognitive processes, role of innate ability and environment, developmental stages, individual variation, universal tendencies, interaction of language and cognition, bilingualism, similarities and differences between first- and second-language acquisition, and language disorders.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101; and C or better in LIN 201 or LIN 311

SBC:     ESI, SBS+, STEM+

3 credits

LIN 335: Computational Linguistics

An introduction to computational linguistics for students with previous programming experience. This course explores the models, algorithms, and techniques that dominate modern-day language technology, and it evaluates them from a linguistically informed perspective. Topics include corpus-based methods, finite-state approaches, machine learning, and model evaluation techniques. Great emphasis is put on discussing the limitations of existing techniques and how they might benefit from linguistic insights. Students will also hone their programming skills and develop familiarity with state-of-the-art software packages for computational linguistics. Formerly offered as LIN 220; not for credit in addition to LIN 220.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 120 or CSE 110 or CSE 114 or ISE 108 or MAT 331; or permission of instructor

SBC:     STEM+

3 credits

LIN 340: Historical Linguistics

The application of linguistic theory to the ways in which sound systems, word structure, and sentence structure change. Students learn how linguists establish that certain languages are related, and how they reconstruct prehistoric parent languages.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 201

Pre- or co-requisite: LIN 301

3 credits

LIN 344: Literacy Development

An introduction to the theories of literacy and their application in education. Students acquire knowledge about the complex nature of academic literacy; how literacy skills can be taught and assessed across all disciplines, and how literacy and language skills develop among diverse learners, including students with special needs and English Language Learners. Attention is given to the integration of technology into the development of literacy skills. Not for major credit.

Prerequisite: Admission to a teacher education program

3 credits

LIN 345: Writing Systems of the World

A survey of the major types of writing including (but not limited to) alphabetic, syllabic, and logographic systems; the invention of writing; changes in writing systems over time and the decipherment of ancient writing. Special attention is given to modern English spelling, including both its regular, systematic properties and the historical background of its irregularities.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101

DEC:     J
SBC:     GLO, SBS+

3 credits

LIN 346: Language and Meaning

An exploration of semantics, the study of linguistic meaning. The course examines fundamental issues including the nature of meaning, its relation to word and sentence form (morphology and syntax), its relation to systems of mental representation (cognition), and the interaction between meaning and use (pragmatics). Recent research into the way that linguistic meaning is acquired and how it is deployed in speech and understanding is discussed.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101

DEC:     F
SBC:     SBS+

4 credits

LIN 347: Pragmatics

A study of those aspects of natural language meaning that arise from, or are dependent upon, use. Core topics include implicatures, presupposition, speech acts, deixis, their interaction with semantics and syntax, and their implications for certain discourse phenomena, including politeness, turn taking, and verbal abuse.

Prerequisite: LIN 101

Advisory pre- or co-requisites: LIN 311 and LIN 346

3 credits

LIN 350: Experimental Phonetics

Introduction to common experimental methods for studying the sounds used in human language. Topics include basic speech acoustics, acoustic analysis, oral and nasal airflow, static palatography, linguography and electroglottography, as well as design of perception experiments. Students will learn the physical processes affecting each experimental variable and common methods of analyzing each kind of data. Students will get hands-on experience with each analysis method and will use two or more types of data to explore a hypothesis about sound structure in English or some other language of interest. Students will learn how to use software for making measurements and analyzing data. Students will learn to assess the validity of claims about language based on their understanding of the scientific method as applied to speech. The course will give students a solid foundation for further courses in laboratory skills relevant to assessment of normal and disordered speech and for pursuing research, either as undergraduate researchers, or in the early stages of graduate work.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 201

SBC:     SBS+, SNW

3 credits

LIN 355: Language and Life in a Selected Area of the World

Study of the languages of a selected country or region outside of Europe in relation to its society, culture, history, and politics. Topics include language family, social varieties, status and attitudes, language policies, and cultural patterns reflected in language use. May be repeated as the topic changes. LIN 355 and/or LIN 356 may be taken a total of two times for the major.

Advisory Prerequisite: LIN 101

DEC:     J
SBC:     DIV, GLO, SBS+

3 credits

LIN 356: Topics in Language and Life in Europe

Focus will be on the language of a particular country or region in Europe and the relationship between language and the society, culture, history, and politics of the country or region. Designed for upper-division students, this course provides an in-depth study of a specific topic relating to Western civilization. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the development of the distinctive features of the history, institutions, economy, society, and culture of Western civilization, and relate it to that of other regions in the world. May be repeated as the language examined changes. May be repeated as the topic changes. LIN 355 and/or LIN 356 may be taken a total of two times for the major.

Prerequisite: one LIN course or satisfaction of Skill 3 or LANG

DEC:     I
SBC:     GLO, SBS+

3 credits

LIN 361: Mathematical Methods in Linguistics

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.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101, or LIN 335 (formerly LIN 220), or MAT 200, or MAT 250; or permission of instructor

SBC:     QPS

3 credits

LIN 370: Intercultural Communication

Through combination of theory and research from discourse linguistics and linguistic anthropology, this course examines (i) how culture shapes ways of speaking; (ii) how language constructs identities, dispositions, role relations; and (iii) what challenges people from different cultures may face when they communicate with each other. The following analytical perspectives will be presented: speech act theory, ethnography of communication, linguistic politeness, and sequential organization of turn taking. This course is offered as both AAS 370 and LIN 370.

Prerequisite: one previous course in D.E.C. J or SBS+ or one previous course in Linguistics

DEC:     J
SBC:     SBS+

3 credits

LIN 375: TESOL Pedagogy: Theory and Practice

Introduction to language and literacy instruction, instructional approaches, and assessment models for the teaching of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students design standard-based lessons and evaluate resources and technologies.

Prerequisite: Declared major in Linguistics; C or higher in LIN 101; C or higher in LIN 201; C or higher in LIN 311; G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher; for non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL-iBT Speaking Component score of 28

Corequisite: LIN 449

3 credits

LIN 378: Content-Based Language and Literacy Development

Introduction to language and literacy development across disciplines and to assessment, cooperative learning, and reflective practices. Students will develop standard-based interdisciplinary thematic units, integrate technologies, and explore collaborative practices.

Prerequisite: LIN 375 and LIN 449

Corequisite: LIN 450

SBC:     CER, EXP+, SPK

3 credits

LIN 380: Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing

A study of the anatomy and physiology of the speech, swallowing, and hearing mechanisms, including the phonatory, articulatory, respiratory, and resonatory subsystems and the neural control.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101

SBC:     STEM+

3 credits

LIN 381: Language and Speech Disorders

Overview of developmental and acquired communication disorders across the lifespan, including language delay, developmental apraxia of speech, phonological disorders, stuttering, acquired aphasia, craniofacial anomalies, and voice disorders.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101 and LIN 201

SBC:     STEM+

3 credits

LIN 382: Audiology

Survey of the field of audiology, including the physics of sound, the physiology of hearing, the nature and causes of hearing impairment.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 101 and LIN 201

SBC:     STEM+

3 credits

LIN 405: Writing in Linguistics

Majors in linguistics refine their skills in writing for the discipline by critiquing successive revisions of previously written work. Formerly offered as LIN 300. Not for credit in addition to LIN 300.

Prerequisites: permission of department; major in linguistics; U3 or U4 standing

SBC:     ESI, WRTD

2 credits

LIN 425: Special Topics in Linguistics

Seminars for advanced linguistics students. May be repeated as the topic changes.

Prerequisite: Varies with subject matter

3 credits

LIN 426: Special Topics in Linguistics

Seminars for advanced linguistics students. May be repeated as the topic changes.

Prerequisite: Varies with subject matter

3 credits

LIN 427: Special Topics in Linguistics

Seminars for advanced linguistics students. May be repeated as the topic changes.

Prerequisite: Varies with subject matter

3 credits

LIN 431: The Structure of an Uncommonly Taught Language

An investigation of the phonology and syntax of either a language or a family of languages. May be repeated if a different language is covered.

Prerequisite: C or better in LIN 301 and LIN 311

SBC:     CER, SBS+, SPK

4 credits

LIN 444: Experiential Learning

This course is designed for students who engage in a substantial, structured experiential learning activity in conjunction with another class. Experiential learning occurs when knowledge acquired through formal learning and past experience are applied to a "real-world" setting or problem to create new knowledge through a process of reflection, critical analysis, feedback and synthesis. Beyond-the-classroom experiences that support experiential learning may include: service learning, mentored research, field work, or an internship.

Prerequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor and approval of the EXP+ contract (http://sb.cc.stonybrook.edu/bulletin/current/policiesandregulations/degree_requirements/EXPplus.php)

SBC:     EXP+

0 credit, S/U grading

LIN 447: Directed Readings in Linguistics

Qualified juniors and seniors in linguistics are offered an opportunity to do independent work on topics in linguistics under guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated to a limit of six credits.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

1-6 credits

LIN 449: Field Experience, Grades N-12

Observation, inquiry, and practice in language and literacy development across disciplines for learners from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. Students are placed in variety of educational settings in elementary and secondary schools for 50 hours of fieldwork.

Prerequisites: Declared major in Linguistics; C or higher in LIN 101; C or higher in LIN 201 or LIN 311; G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher; for non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL-iBT Speaking Component Score of 28

Corequisite: LIN 375

SBC:     EXP+

1 credit, S/U grading

LIN 450: Field Experience, Grades N-12

Observation, inquiry, and practice in language and literacy development across disciplines for learners from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. Students are placed in variety of educational settings in elementary and secondary schools for 50 hours of fieldwork.

Corequisite: LIN 378

SBC:     CER, EXP+, SPK

1 credit, S/U grading

LIN 451: Supervised Teaching -- English as a Second Language: Primary Grades N-6

Supervised practice teaching in English as a second language by arrangement with selected Boards of Cooperative Educational Services and primary, middle, and secondary schools. Applications must be filed in the academic year preceding that in which the student plans to take the course.

Prerequisites: Linguistics major; GPA of 3.0 or higher; permission of department

SBC:     CER, EXP+, SPK

6 credits, S/U grading

LIN 452: Supervised Student Teaching in English as a Second Language: Secondary Grades 7-12

Supervised practice teaching in English as a second language by arrangement with selected Boards of Cooperative Educational Services and middle and secondary schools. Applications must be filed in the academic year preceding that in which the student plans to take the course.

Prerequisites: Linguistics major; GPA of 3.0 or higher; permission of department

SBC:     CER, EXP+, SPK

6 credits, S/U grading

LIN 454: Managing Instruction, Assessment, and Resources

Examination of effective practices, assessments, and technologies for developing language and literacy across content areas in multi-level classrooms. Collaboration with colleagues, parents, and communities is explored.

Prerequisite: C or higher in LIN 378; permission of department

SBC:     CER, EXP+, SPK

3 credits

LIN 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. The student in required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course. Not for major credit.

Prerequisites: Linguistics major; U3 or U4 standing; permission of instructor.

SBC:     EXP+

3 credits, S/U grading

LIN 476: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II

Work with a faculty member as an asistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. Students assume greater responsibility in such areas as leading discussions and analyzing results of tests that have already been graded. Students may not serve as teaching assistants in the same course twice. Not for major credit.

Prerequisite: LIN 475; permission of instructor

SBC:     EXP+

3 credits, S/U grading

LIN 487: Directed Research in Linguistics

Qualified advanced undergraduates in linguistics may carry out individual research projects under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Responsible conduct in research and scholarship will be covered. May be repeated up to a limit of six credits.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

1-6 credits

LIN 488: Internship

Applying linguistics skills and principles in activities at university, local, state, and/or national public and private agencies and organizations. May be repeated up to a total of 12 credits. Not for major credit.

Prerequisites: 6 credits in linguistics; permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

0-6 credits, S/U grading

LIN 495: Senior Honors Project in Linguistics

First course of a two-semester sequence for linguistics majors who are candidates for the degree with honors. The project involves independent readings or research and the writing of a thesis. Responsible conduct in research and scholarship will be covered. Students enrolled in LIN 495 are obliged to complete LIN 496 the next semester. Students receive only one grade upon completion of the sequence. Not for major credit.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Linguistics Honors Program

0-3 credits

LIN 496: Senior Honors Project in Linguistics

Second course of a two-semester sequence for linguistics majors who are candidates for the degree with honors. The project involves independent readings or research and the writing of a thesis. Responsible conduct in research and scholarship will be covered. Students enrolled in LIN 495 are obliged to complete LIN 496 the next semester. Students receive only one grade upon completion of the sequence. Not for major credit.

0-3 credits