V61.0002 Introduction to Linguistics
Prof. Maria Gouskova
Fall 2007
Course Syllabus (PDF)
Introduces the core areas of linguistics, the scientific study of language: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. We will spend some time early on discussing foundational questions about the nature of language and its relation to the mind and the world. The course develops and strengthens skills in logical reasoning and problem solving, which are invaluable in any field. Whenever possible, data for problems will be chosen particularly from languages that the enrolled students are studying. At the end of the semester a "fun topic" will be selected by the majority vote of the class. Note: This course is not intended for linguistics majors and does not satisfy the freely chosen course requirement.
Last Modified: March 23, 2007