Course Description and Outcomes

English 438-538 Applied Linguistics (3 UG credits, 2 GR credits)

Application of linguistics to other disciplines as well as the intersection of linguistics with those disciplines. Includes topics in linguistics sub-fields such as Sociolinguistics, Language Acquisition, Historical Linguistics, and Neurolinguistics as well as examination of language-related public policy issues. Student work will include further study of primary and secondary research methods. Offered Spring semesters. Prerequisite(s): ENG 337 or other introduction to linguistics course; ENG 377W or permission of Program Chair.

This course emphasizes the practical applications of language theory, especially the application of linguistics to other disciplines as well as the intersection of linguistics with those other disciplines. Topics will include first and subsequent language acquisition as well as a variety of social issues connected to language (sexist/__-ist language, the bilingualism debate, the role and status of language variants, among others). It will also examine the history of the English language and develop further understanding of structural elements of language.

In general, the course has these outcomes for students to pursue:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of historical linguistics.

2. Know the connections between linguistics and "real-life" teaching, personal, and social contexts.

3. Apply the principles and techniques to those real-world contexts.

4. Be able to locate scholarly material concerning linguistics in electronic and print formats.

5. Understand the basic methods and problems of field research in linguistics and other fields.