Introduction to Study of Language

Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Summary for general undergraduates of what is known about human language; biological basis of language, scientific study of language and human cognition; uniqueness of human language, its structure, universality, its diversity; language in social and cultural setting; language in relation to other aspects of human inquiry and knowledge. P/NP or letter grading.

Review Summary

Clarity
8.3 / 10
Organization
8.3 / 10
Time
0-5 hrs/week
Overall
8.3 / 10

Reviews

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2021 Online
    Grade: A+

    There's a lot of information, but they're somewhat related to each other, so knowing the theme will help you a lot while taking the exam!

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2022 Online
    Grade: B

    Linguistics 1 proved to be an exceptionally demanding academic endeavor, pushing students to their intellectual limits with its intricate concepts and rigorous coursework. From phonetics to syntax, the course delved deep into the fundamental structures and functions of language, requiring students to grasp complex theories and methodologies. The intricate nature of linguistic analysis demanded meticulous attention to detail, as students navigated through phonological patterns, grammatical rules, and semantic nuances. Assignments and assessments often presented formidable challenges, testing students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical linguistic analysis. Despite the difficulty, however, the course offered a profound opportunity for intellectual growth and insight into the fascinating complexities of human language. Those who persevered through the trials of Linguistics 1 emerged with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of communication and a deeper understanding of the field's theoretical underpinnings.

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2023 Online
    Grade: A+

    Great professor and TAs - this class was easy to digest and all of the exams are open note. The instructors are also valuable resources and there are plenty of learning materials given.

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2023 Online
    Grade: A

    For context, I took this class for an easy life science GE as I'm a CS major and ling minor, so I already knew a lot of the course material. That being said, I thought the more non-traditional topics included in this class were interesting, as well. I didn't learn much about phonetics, morphology, syntax, etc (because I already took those classes) but I did learn about how language contact changes the contacting languages and creates new languages used to bridge the gap or how animals communicate and how their communication is different from human communication. The class is asynchronous (except for the required discussions), so you can watch the lectures at your own pace and complete the exams whenever you have time.

Course

Previously taught
23S 22S 21S 20Su 19Su 19S 18S 16F 16S

Grading Information

  • No group projects

  • Attendance required

  • 1 midterm

  • Finals week final

  • 25% recommend the textbook

Previous Grades

Grade distributions not available.