Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - LING 100 D100

Communication and Language (3)

Class Number: 1744

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the foundations of human language from a variety of perspectives. Young children acquire language effortlessly. How is this possible, and why is it so much more challenging to learn a new language later in life? How does the human brain use complex grammatical systems to communicate? Students will learn new ways to think critically about language and communication. Open to all students. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, you will learn about language acquisition, development, change, and usage.  Some of the topics we’ll look at include:

  • the origins of language; human vs. animal communication
  • language families and the classification of languages
  • how and why language changes
  • first and second language acquisition
  • language processing; language and the brain
  • language in social contexts; gender, age, ethnicity and language use. 

We will explore various aspects of the science of language and weigh competing arguments about questions related to communication and language.

COURSE DELIVERY: In Person

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Assignments and Projects 24%
  • Midterm Exam 1 22%
  • Midterm Exam 2 22%
  • Midterm Exam 3 22%
  • No Final Exam

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

PLATFROM(S) USED: Canvas (and Zoom, if needed).

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: Computer or Tablet.

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

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.