Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - LING 220 D100

Introduction to Linguistics (3)

Class Number: 1751

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores how language works. Introduces students to the systematic nature of language by exploring the patterns of sounds, words, sentences and meanings in English and other languages. Develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills through hands-on training in pattern recognition and language data analysis. Open to all students. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Ling220 introduces the complexities of human language by focusing on the core areas of linguistics: phonetics (esp. production of speech), phonology (the patterning of speech sounds in language), morphology (word structure and formation), syntax (sentence structure and formation), and semantics (analysis of meaning in language).  The course will help you develop a good basic understanding of the central concepts in contemporary linguistics, learn more about the systematic and rule-governed nature of language and the importance of studying it. It will also improve the analytical skills you need in more specialized linguistics courses and diverse courses from other fields.

COURSE DELIVERY: In person lecture on Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:20 pm, and one 50-minute tutorial weekly (dates and times on goSFU).

Grading

  • Participation and homework 15%
  • Projects 31%
  • Midterm Exam 1 18%
  • Midterm Exam 2 18%
  • Midterm Exam 3 18%
  • No Final Exam

REQUIREMENTS:

Platform(s) used: Canvas (and Zoom, if needed).

Technology required: Computer or tablet.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

O’Grady, William, and John Archibald. 2016 (8th Ed.) or 2021 (9th Ed.). Contemporary linguistic analysis: An introduction. Pearson Canada

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities.

Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.

All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.