COLL-E 103 Language and Thought (Franks) (A&H) (3 cr.)
This course examines the nature of human language from a variety of
perspectives and explores the complex interrelationship between
language and thought. It serves to introduce students to current
language-related issues in the social and behavioral sciences,
addressing questions such as: How is human language structured? What
does it mean to “know” a language?; How is this knowledge acquired?;
What happens when linguistic ability is impaired? To what extent are
language and thought independent?; Is language a uniquely human
capacity?; How can human languages differ?; What properties do they
all share?; What are Sign Languages? How do languages change?
Readings:
S. Pinker, The Language Instinct
F. Parker & K. Riley, Linguistics for Non-Linguists
various articles, to be announced