English 260-01: Introduction to the English Language (Fall 2001)
T/TH 2:00-3:15pm Gram 203
Adrian Wurr
Office: McIver 113
Office Hours: Tues. & Fri. 11am-1pm, Thurs. 4-6 pm, and by appointment
Phone: 334-3564
E-mail: ajwurr@uncg.edu

Scope of course: Basic concepts in the study of the English language: history, semantics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and discourse. English in its social context: regional and social dialects, language acquisition, and English as an international language. Application of basic concepts to English literature, composition, creative writing, and language teaching.

Through the readings, assignments, and class activities in this course, you will

1. Examine your own beliefs and attitudes about language and language use in written assignments and class discussions
2. Gain basic knowledge of the major subfields of linguistics (see "scope of course")
3. Learn and use different methods of linguistic analysis

Required text:

• Yule, George. 1996. The Study of Language, 2^nd Edition. Cambridge University Press.
• Other selected readings (SR) will be required.

Recommended text:

• The Language Files, 8^th Edition. Ohio State Press.

Grading:

Assignments 40%

Quizzes 30%

Final Exam 30%

Assignments must be turned in on the date due to receive full credit. Please note that late assignments will be reduced by half a letter grade for each day late, including weekends and holidays, unless an extension is arranged with the instructor prior to the due date. No assignment will be accepted more than two weeks late.

Quizzes and the final exam will include material presented in class lectures, videos, and assigned readings. The final exam will be cumulative.

Course Grade:

A = 90 100% C = 70 79%

B = 80 89% D = 60 69% F = 0 59%

Absence Policy: Regular attendance is required. If you miss three class sessions, your grade will be lowered one letter grade. If you miss more than five classes, you may be dropped from the class with a failing grade. If you do miss a class, you are responsible for finding out about and making up any missed assignments. If you consistently arrive late or leave early to the degree that you miss a significant portion of the class, you will be considered absent.

Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism: All UNCG students are responsible for upholding the Academic Integrity Policy, available through the Office of Student Conduct. Collaboration and research are encouraged in completing assignments, but you must credit your outside sources of information appropriately and compose your responses individually. If you have any questions about whether you have plagiarized something, ask me.

Tentative schedule: Assignments may change, so pay attention to updates given in class. Readings should be completed before the date indicated. Assigned readings noted below refer to The Study of Language. "SR" refers to selected readings, which are listed below and are available through electronic reserve in the Jackson Library.

Selected Readings (SR):

1. Conversations with a Gorilla
2. What I learned from Nim Chimsky
3. Black Children, Black Language
4. (To be Continued)