Franz Müller

FMueller_F11_508_Syllabus

COURSE CONTENT:

Syntax has been a central area of linguistic research since the 1960s.  This course reviews the concepts that are necessary for the description of sentence structure, showing how much variation there is among languages and what all human languages have in common.  Based on this knowledge, we explore how various linguistic theories (especially generative grammar and functional-typological grammar) try to explain how syntax works.

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FMueller_F11_406_Syllabus

COURSE CONTENT:

LING 406 deals with the most central aspect of linguistics, the description of languages.  Focusing on syntax (sentence structure), morphology (word structure), phonetics and phonology (sound structure), the course tries to show how much variation there is among the languages of the world and what all languages have in common.  We will do many exercises on a diverse range of languages in all of these areas. Read the rest of this entry »

Eng/Ling 305 Summer 2011 Syllabus

COURSE GOALS:

English/Linguistics 305 is an introduction to American English.  We will explore its history, structure, use, and status with respect to other languages and other varieties of English.  Structural properties of American English that we will survey include sound patterns, word formation, sentence construction, and how the expression of meaning.

TEXTBOOKS:

1. Amberg, Julie S. and Deborah J. Vause. 2009. American English: History, Structure, and Usage.  Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. To understand the history, structure, use, and status of American English.
2. To master the vocabulary necessary for understanding these aspects of American English.
3. To recognize and appreciate the value of different varieties of English, including non-standard varieties such as African-American Vernacular English and Chicano English.

ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Each of three examinations, including the final exam, will count for 1/3 of your total semester grade.  Make-up examinations are permitted ONLY in case of accident or illness or other comparably serious and verifiable circumstances with appropriate documentation (police report, doctor’s note, etc.)  There is no plus/minus grading in this course.

Academic dishonesty on any work will result in a grade of ‘F’ for that work.  In a second instance, or in particularly grievous cases, a grade of ‘F’ for the course will be assigned.

 

READINGS: [Subject to change]

Date Readings Topics

6/28                 —–                              Introduction

6/29                 Ch. 1                           Defining language and fluency

6/30                 Ch. 2                           Defining American English

7/5                   Ch. 3                           Word formation in American English

7/6                   Ch. 3                           American English Morphology

7/7                   —–                              EXAMINATION 1 (100 points)

7/12                 Ch. 4                           Historical roots of American English

7/13                 Ch. 5                           American English grammar and syntax 1

7/14                 Ch. 5                           American English grammar and syntax 2

7/19                 Ch. 6                           American English sounds and spelling 1

7/20                 Ch. 6                           American English sounds and spelling 2

7/21                 —–                              EXAMINATION 2 (100 points)

7/26                 Ch. 7                           Vocabulary and Meaning in American English

7/27                 Ch. 8                           Variations in American English

7/28                 Ch. 9                           Language, community, and American policy

8/2                   Ch. 10                         Language policy and English language learners

8/3                   —–                              Course review

8/4                   —–                              COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAMINATION

 

NOTES:

1. Please turn off cell phones and beepers.
2. Tape-recording the lecture is permitted if you ask me for permission first.
3. Students in need of disability services should visit the DSS webpage at http://www.fullerton.edu/disabledservices/.

For the sake of speed, the webmonster has decided just to post this semester’s syllabi.

• 303 Syllabus Sp10 F. Mueller
• 406 Syllabus Sp10 F. Mueller
• 408 Syllabus Sp10 F. Mueller
• 412 Syllabus Sp10 F. Mueller

English/Linguistics 206 is an introductory-level course that explores the nature of language, including its structure, its development, and its use. We will explore how sounds are articulated and patterned to represent meaning (Phonetics and Phonology); the relationship between the spoken and written form of language (Phonics); the structure of words and the rules of word formation (Morphology); the principles governing sentence construction (Syntax); and how we use language to communicate (Semantics and Pragmatics), among other topics.

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Handouts may be used in any course.  Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. Read the rest of this entry »