Syllabus

Objectives: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the field of linguistics, the study of the nature, structure and use of language. Students will learn to analyze simple phonology, morphology, syntax and semantic data; to identify speech sounds and do simple phonetic transcription; to analyze language variation and change; and to analyze and describe the mental structures underlying language processing and language acquisition.

Text: Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication. 6th ed. Akmajian et al

Tentative Schedule: (Subject to instant revision depending on how things are going)

Grading: Grades are based on homework and class participation (20%), quizzes (40%) and a cumulative final exam (40%).

Homework: There will be regular homework assignments. Homework will be graded credit/no credit. Whenever possible, there will be a class session between when the homework is assigned and when it is due, so that you have the opportunity to ask questions before the homework is due. I encourage you to talk about your homework with each other and me; however, you should each write up your homework separately.

Your homework will be accepted only at the time due or before--even if you feel your attempt is unsatisfactory, turn it in. (unless there is a disaster which calls you out of school; colds, the press of other classes, or the usual difficulties of life do not constitute disasters). If you do not turn in an assignment on or before the due date (without an acceptable reason), your grade for that assignment will be "no credit." (If you can't come to class, homework will be accepted via the Dropbox on the class website.)

Quizzes: In place of midterm exams, there will be short quizzes at the end of each section (excluding the introduction and the section on language and the brain, since the latter falls during dead week). The quizzes will consist of problems similar to those we discuss in class and those on the homework assignments. No individual quiz is worth much (worth less than 6% each); however all together they will form 40% of your course grade. There will be no make-up quizzes unless there is a disaster. (See above for what a disaster isn't).

Final Exam; The final exam is scheduled for 10:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. on Tuesday, 10 December. The final exam will be cumulative. You will be allowed to bring one standard letter-size page of notes into the exam.

University Announcements

Disability Policy: Students with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please either visit or call the Access Center (Washington Building 217; 509-335-3417) to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. All accommodations MUST be approved through the Access Center. For more information contact a Disability Specialist at 509-335-3417 http://accesscenter.wsu.edu, Access.Center@wsu.edu

Academic Integrity: As an institution of higher education, Washington State University is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. All members of the University community share the responsibility for maintaining and supporting these principles. When a student enrolls at Washington State University, the student assumes an obligation to pursue academic endeavors in a manner consistent with the standards of academic integrity adopted by the University. To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the University cannot tolerate acts of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication. WSU reserves the right and the power to discipline or to exclude students who engage in academic dishonesty.

You are expected to know and adhere to the rules of academic honesty as outlined in http://conduct.wsu.edu/academic-integrity-policies-and-resources. Crucially, if you present anyone else's work as your own, whether by copying another student's homework, having someone else do your homework, looking at another student's quiz or final exam, you will fail the assignment, quiz or exam; if the violation is repeated or very serious (copying an entire quiz or homework assignment or cheating on the final exam, for example), you will fail the class and will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct for further discipline.

Emergencies: Washington State University is committed to enhancing the safety of the students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It is highly recommended that you review the Campus Safety Plan (http://safetyplan.wsu.edu/) and visit the Office of Emergency Management web site (http://oem.wsu.edu/) for a comprehensive listing of university policies, procedures, statistics, and information related to campus safety, emergency management, and the health and welfare of the campus community. For emergency weather closure policy, see http://alert.wsu.edu/.