Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics

Course Description

Introduction to the scientific study of Spanish, covering the core linguistic sub-fields (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics) to understand Spanish language use and analysis in real-world contexts. Prerequisite: SPA 301 or SPA 302, or departmental permission.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  1. Define the main scientific linguistic components in the study of language.
  2. Interpret theoretical concepts and methodologies used to analyze linguistic structure and patterns of language use in the major subfields of linguistics.
  3. Explain some of the ways that language is shaped by cognitive, biological, social, and cultural factors.
  4. Describe in general terms the processes of Spanish language change and variation.
  5. Compare and contrast Spanish language use across different regions of the Spanish-speaking world and in contexts of language contact.
  6. Identify linguistic features and phenomena in linguistic data.
  7. Summarize and orally convey to audience research findings from a published scholarly article on a topic in linguistics.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Research Project Survey 10%
Research Project Presentation 10%
Chapter Summaries 10%
Reflection Paper 10%
Quizzes 40%
Final Paper 20%

Attendance/Participation:

Students may have up to two unexcused absences. Additional absences will reduce the final grade. Attendance and punctuality are required.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.