For Ph.D./M.A. in Linguistics, M.A. in Computational Linguistics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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)
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.
An introduction to modern theoretical and applied linguistics, including phonology,
morphology, syntax, language acquisition, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics.
Study of the social, linguistic, educational, and psychological aspects of bilingualism.
An introduction to major topics in sociolinguistics, including variation theory, language
attitudes, language planning, language change, and pidgins and creoles.
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.
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)
