Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - LING 100 D100

Communication and Language (3)

Class Number: 2477

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A non-theoretical approach to the study of language using examples from a variety of languages. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces the study of language and human communication. Topics to be covered include:

  • The biological basis of human language
  • Relations of language to cognition, culture and thought
  • Structure in language
  • The neurological basis of language and language disorders
  • Language acquisition
  • Languages of the world
  • Language change
  • Human language vs. animal communication
  • Evolution of human language
  • Language in society
  • Writing systems

MODE OF INSTRUCTION:
The course will take place remotely. It will delivered through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous methods. All of the lectures will be pre-recorded and available for viewing asynchronously. Some of the class components, especially discussions and practice, may take place at fixed times throughout the semester, with at most 1 hour per week of synchronous delivery. Some of the discussions may be in small break-out rooms.

Block assigned for synchronous teaching (may not happen every week): Wednesdays 1:30 – 2:20 pm.

The instructor will also hold drop-in office hours on Zoom or Canvas.

Quizzes will be done on Canvas, as will online discussion. Participation will include discussion and practice that takes place in the live sessions. Assignments will be short 3-4 assignments to be completed in groups. The take-home exam will include a series of questions addressing topics covered in class, to be completed the last week of classes.  

Technical requirements: access to laptop/desktop computer, reliable internet access for discussion sessions, microphone and speakers/headsets.

This course will have a Reading Break during the week of October 12 (Thanksgiving week).There will be no synchronous (in real time) classes or tutorials, recordings, exams, or assignments due this week.

Grading

  • Quizzes, on Canvas 20%
  • Online discussion 20%
  • Participation 10%
  • Assignments 30%
  • Take-home exam 20%

NOTES:

NOTE: This course may be applied towards the Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language.

Linguistics program students cannot count this course towards their breadth requirements unless in joint or double majors, extended minor, or double minors program.

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities at http://www.sfu.ca/linguistics/undergraduate/standards.html.

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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Contemporary Linguistic Analysis: An Introduction
O’Grady and Archibald (eds.)
8th Edition, Pearson
ISBN: 9780134046792

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).