Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - LING 111 D100

Introduction to English Vocabulary Analysis (3)

Class Number: 2490

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the linguistic pathways by which selected contemporary English vocabulary has arisen. Word etymologies are derived through the application of analytical tools leading to a deeper understanding of language change and word meaning. Students with credit for LING 110 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Have you ever wondered how words are created? How can we construct new languages to be used in fictions 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? Will learning vocabulary in other languages help us learn more English words? 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 do we study word frequency? How can non-native speakers know if they are using English words in a “natural” way? How can Siri or Alexa evaluate our comments such as “I don’t really enjoy this movie”?

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 are 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 who has an interest in language and an inquisitive mind to know more about how language works. Students from all disciplines are welcome, but if you are thinking about majoring in Linguistics or applying for the Certificate in TESL, you should definitely enroll in this course.

This course will be delivered remotely through a combination of synchronous (live or in real time) and asynchronous (recorded or self-paced) instruction. Students will spend about 1.5 hours on self-learning (asynchronous mode) before attending the live lecture (1.5 hours) and the total learning hours is approximately 3 hours. For asynchronous learning, students only need to have access to the internet while for live lectures, they only need a computer with good internet connection as well as a built-in camera that allows them to participate in online group discussions.

Blended: Instruction takes place through pre-recorded lectures and all materials available on Canvas, but there are also online meetings for which participation is mandatory.

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

  • Two short assignments 30%
  • Final term paper 30%
  • Group project 40%

NOTES:

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

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 requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course materials will be posted to Canvas regularly.

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).