Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - LING 100 B100

Communication and Language (3)

Class Number: 2351

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Mon, 3:30–4:20 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:

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, students will learn about language as practice and ideology. Below are some of the topics covered:

  • What is language?
  • What do we mean by communication?
  • What can animal teach us about communication?
  • Do animals have language?
  • How do human languages (spoken and signed) differ from means of communication used by other animals or plants?
  • How do languages disappear and why?

MODE OF INSTRUCTION:  
As a Blended course, this class will have a combination of 1 hour in-person instruction and 2 hours asynchronous (online) components.

For the asynchronous instruction, students will need to access a 2-hour lecture podcast posted in the course’s Canvas site each week by Thursday morning. Students are expected to listen to these lecture podcasts and complete assigned activities within 2 days, e.g. before 3:00 pm on Saturday.

For the in-person instruction, the class will meet for 1 hour on Mondays from, 3:30 pm to 4:20 pm. The in-person sessions will focus on clarifying information in the podcasts and assigned readings as well as addressing student questions. Students will also complete brief group work assignments.

Grading

  • Mid-term Exam 20%
  • Individual projects (3x15%) 45%
  • Diary writing (11x 2%) 20%
  • Group Podcast (video or audio) 15%
  • No final exam

REQUIREMENTS:




Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

PLATFORM USED: Canvas & Zoom (if necessary)

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: laptop or cellphone for doing Canvas quizzes

 

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be posted on Canvas, organized by the week they are assigned.


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.