Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - LING 111 B100

The Wonder of Words (3)

Class Number: 5794

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to theories about words and vocabulary. Explores topics such as the roots of the English vocabulary, how we create new words and how we learn them. Also discusses practical applications such as constructed languages for use in science fiction, and word recognition in artificial intelligence. Open to all students. Students with credit for LING 110 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Have you ever wondered how words are created? How can we construct new languages to be used in fiction or movies? Are “cats” and “cat” considered two words or one? Will your vocabulary pool expand if you study the dictionary every day? How can we learn vocabulary effectively? What do jargons in different industries mean, e.g. what is the meaning of this business jargon “put lipstick on a pig”? Do native and non-native English speakers use vocabulary differently? How can non-native speakers know if they are using English words in a “natural” way?

If you are interested in any of these questions, this course is for you. You will learn the basics about word formation, the relationships between word forms, grammar and sounds as well as how contemporary English words have evolved over the years. You will also see how word analysis (and in general linguistics) is applied in / relevant to our everyday life.

This course welcomes anyone from all disciplines who has an interest in language and an inquisitive mind to know more about how language works.

This course will be delivered remotely through a combination of in-person lectures and asynchronous (recorded or self-paced) instruction. Students will spend about 1 hour on self-learning (asynchronous mode) before attending the in-person lecture (2 hours) and the total learning hours is approximately 3 hours. For asynchronous learning, students only need to have access to the internet and a computer so that they can refer to audio / video clips as well as downloadable learning materials.


MODE OF INSTRUCTION:
Blended: 1-hour asynchronous work + 2-hour in-person lecture / week

Grading

  • Self-learning work 20%
  • Short assignments 30%
  • Short quizzes 30%
  • Group project 20%
  • No Final Exam

REQUIREMENTS:

PLATFORM USED:
Canvas

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED:
A laptop / desktop computer with stable internet access

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course materials will be posted to Canvas regularly. There is no required textbook.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.