Graduate Courses Schedule (Fall 2023)

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

LIN 521 Syntax I, TuTh 11:30AM-12:50PM, Andrei Antonenko

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 04.00PM-05.20PM, 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 10:00AM-11:20AM, Jiwon Yun

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, TuTh 10:00AM-11:20AM, 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 1:00PM-5:30PM, 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 625 Semantics, MW 2:30PM-3:50PM, Sandhya Sundaresan

An investigation of the role of semantics (the theory of meaning) in the overall theory of grammar, structured around such topics as formal semantics, the interaction of syntax and semantics, and lexical semantics. Prerequisite: LIN 521

LIN 651 Syntax Seminar, TuTh 2:30PM-3:50PM, Richard Larson

LIN 651 in Fall 2023 will explore c-command, both conceptually, as a formal relation defined on phrase markers and one among a number of possible command relations, and empirically, as an explanatory element in the analysis of a wide range of linguistic phenomena. The broad goal is to deepen understanding of foundational notions in linguistic theory and to explore their exact nature and scope in empirical detail. Students taking 650 for 3 credits will be assigned their own individual “c-command puzzle” for the duration of the semester. This will be an example or paradigm of examples that appear to violate a proposed c-command condition on licensing. Their task will be to “rescue” c-command from the puzzle by the end of the semester and to present their solution in class.

LIN 653.01: Phonology Seminar, TuTh 1:00PM-2:20PM, Tatiana Luchkina

In this course, we will discuss current topics in L1 and L2 phonological acquisition and development. Issues and themes to be covered will include the infant's initial perceptual capacities, developmental change in perception (specifically perception of speech), the interaction of speech perception & speech production, the development of prosodic elements of speech & effects on segmental aspects of language. Later in the semester, we will survey current theories of (adult) L2 phonological development, with special focus on L1 transfer, learnability, and perceptual assimilation.

LIN 653.02: Phonology Seminar, MW 11:30AM-12:50PM, Kevin Hughes

An examination of the Micronesian language family and the phonological innovations that define this family and its subgroups. Topics include the classification of Micronesian languages, the reconstruction of Proto-Micronesian, complications in determining the internal relations of the family, and the development of Micronesian stress systems.

LIN 655.01: Computational Linguistics Seminar, MW 8:30AM-9:50PM, Jordan Kodner

Language change is a fundamentally population-level process, so how change passes through communities is a crucial part of understanding what drives and constrains change. LIN 655 will discuss a range of computational approaches to historical linguistics with a focus on modeling population-level change. In the first half of the course, we will provide a brief introduction to the core problems in the study of language change and touch on a range of applications to comparative reconstruction, phonological change, morphological change, and syntactic change. In the second half of the course, we will read and discuss several papers on different paradigms in population-level modeling and the tradeoffs associated with each approach. Readings in the course will include both traditional historical and sociolinguistics papers and papers on network modeling. Some prior background in historical linguistics, sociolinguistics and/or computational linguistics is encouraged but not required. Students should be able to follow along with some introductory-level linear algebra in the second half of the course.

LIN 655.02: Computational Linguistics Seminar, F 10:00AM-1:00PM, Thomas Graf and Kenneth Hanson

This course will introduce subregular formal languages and their application to linguistics. Though the use of formal language theory in linguistics was out of fashion for some time, recent research has discovered that the overwhelming majority of linguistic patterns fall into a small number of subregular classes. These findings bring new insights into linguistic structure as well as opportunities for connections to language typology and cognition. This course aims to enable you to understand the mathematics behind subregular linguistic analyses as well as to produce your own. We will focus our attention on syntax to a large extent, but will also spend a fair bit of time on phonotactics and other topics along the way.

For M.A. in TESOL

LIN 522 Phonetics, TuTh 07:30PM-08:50PM, 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 M 6:00PM-08:50PM, sec. 2 W 6:00PM-08:50PM, Dorit Kaufman

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 4:30PM-5:50PM, Francisco Ordonez

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.

LIN530 Intro to General Linguistics, TuTh 6:00PM-7:20PM, Robert Hoberman

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

LIN 541 Bilingualism, TuTh 04:30PM-05:50PM, Tatiana Luchkina

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

LIN542 Sociolinguistics, TuTh 01:00PM-02:20PM, 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 06:00PM-08:50PM, 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)