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24.900  Introduction to Linguistics

Spring 2005

Professor Suzanne Flynn: Suzanne Flynn

TAs: Allison Nicole Adler, Feng-fan Hsieh, Ivona Kucerova, Andres P. Salanova, Tamina Christine Stephenson, Maryann Walter

Lecture:  MW9.30-11  (32-141)        

Information: 

Course Description
This class will provide some answers to basic questions about the nature of human language. Throughout the course, we will be learning (in many different ways) that human language is a surprisingly intricate -- yet law-governed and fascinating mental system. In the first parts of the class, we will study some core aspects of this system in detail. In the last part of the class, we will use what we have learned to address a variety of questions, including how children acquire language, what are the similarities and differences among languages, how spoken (and signed) language relates to written language, among others.

This class will provide some answers to basic questions about the nature of human language. Throughout the course, we will be learning (in many different ways) that human language is a surprisingly intricate -- yet law-governed and fascinating mental system. In the first 2/3 of the class, we will study some core aspects of this system in detail. In the last part of the class, we will use what we have learned to address a variety of questions, including how children acquire language, what are the similarities and differences among languages, how spoken (and signed) language relates to written language, among others.
HONESTY POLICY FOR PROBLEM SETS: General discussion of the assignments with other students is acceptable and encouraged (e.g. "Remind me, how do I know if something is an allophone?"), but you must arrive at the actual solutions to problems on your own and write them up on your own.

HASS-D AND CI-H:
24.900 is designated as both a HASS-D and a CI-H class. What does this mean? It means that we take writing very seriously. The class is designed to satisfy all the requirements for each of the two special designations. You will be asked to do some writing in every assignment. Your final project will involve considerable development as well as revisions. Writing will count in the calculation of your grade for each assignment. We will also comment on your writing in each assignment. Please take your time. Do not wait until the last minute! We will help you throughout the semester. In addition, there are many resources available at MIT, the Writing Center for example, where you can get additional assistance.

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