Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
[Link]: IU School of Liberal Arts Course Browser


Course Offerings

 

Course Descriptions


Linguistics Course Descriptions

 

 

G 009 INTERM AURAL/ORAL SKLS ESL ST

G 010 ESL FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES I

G 011 ESL FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES II

G 012 LISTENING/SPEAKNG ACAD PURPSES

G 013 ACADEMIC WRITING GRAD STUDENTS

G 020 COMM SKLS GRAD STDNTS & ITA’S

For more information on EAP classes, please visit http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/english/index.php/academics/eap/eap_home  

 

Z204 Rhetorical Issues in Grammar and Usage

What in blazes is “rhetorical grammar”?  “Rhetoric” is the “art or study of using language effectively and persuasively,” but in this course, we will work to regard grammar as more than “a prescriptive set of rules setting forth the current standard.”  The course will examine the ways in which the words writers and speakers choose impact readers and listeners by analyzing readings and speeches.  It will consider the role of “correctness” in discourse communities, and the connections between writing and usage guides.  Students will analyze their own use of language by writing short papers and by working with papers of their choice that they have written in the past.  The goal of the course will be to foster students’ conceptualization of “grammar” as not a rigid set of rules, but as a tool that allows writers and speakers rich flexibility of expression. 

 

Z205 Introduction to the English Language

G205 is an introduction to the English language and to the principles and methods of linguistics.  It is designed to be the first course in English linguistics; thus, no prior knowledge of linguistics is assumed.  The goals of the class are, first and foremost, to explain the basic linguistic components of English (i.e., its sound system, word structure, sentence structure, etc.) and, second, to discuss the application of this knowledge to such areas of inquiry as language acquisition, writing, and literature.  The course should ultimately result in teaching students how to think about English rigorously and technically. 

 

Z206 Introduction to Language Use

G206 is designed to be a first course in the study of the English language from a linguistic perspective. The subjects covered include the systematic way in which information is encoded in discourse, the analysis of functions of speech and the structure of conversation, and the comparison of spoken and written language. Also, we will examine how English varies according to geographic region, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, and gender. The course also addresses the question of how language variety is viewed in our society.

 

Z301 History of the English Language

This course traces the development of English, looking at the language itself (its sounds, its vocabulary, its dialects) and the social and political forces that have influenced the English language and those who use it in speech and writing. Three basic themes provide the structure for our semester: history, diversity, and change. We’ll examine the history of English as it developed in England, the United States, and other parts of the world. We’ll explore the diversity of English, a language now used by millions (billions?) of speakers, yet paradoxically viewed by some in the US as a language so threatened that it needs government protection in the form of English-Only laws. We’ll touch on some ways English as it’s spoken in the USA differs from that spoken in the United Kingdom, Canada, the Caribbean, India, Nigeria, and other countries in which English is either an official language or a common second language. We will explore diversity historically, tracing the development of English dialects as well as attitudes about those dialects. Finally, we’ll look at language change, exploring the ways in which English, like any language, has evolved. My overall goal for the semester is that you’ll acquire historical perspectives on current English language issues, and that you’ll be able to use historical and current language reference works to answer questions you may have. G301 requires regular homework (with some choices about when it’s due), an individual project towards the end of the semester, and weekly in-class discussion or group problem-solving. Whether your primary interest is in writing.

 

Z302 Understanding Language Structure: Syntax

An introduction to how language is organized at the sentence level, focusing on what it means to know how to produce and understand grammatical sentences. The acquisition of syntax by children learning their first language and non-native speakers learning a second language will be studied.  Z205 is recommended.

 

Z303 English Z303 Understanding Language Meaning: Semantics

Z303 examines the question of meaning in language, with a focus on English. After introducing various approaches to the study of meaning, including referential, cultural, pragmatic, and cognitive perspectives of what language encodes, the course examines how linguistic semantics analyzes such concepts as entities, events, time, space, possibility, and negation, and how these relate to human culture and cognition.  Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to use what they learn in both a linguistic analysis of English and in exploring ways in which such analyses can contribute to understanding in other disciplines. 

 

Z310 Language in Context: Sociolinguistics

This course explores the relationships among language, society, and culture.  The influence of such social factors as age, sex, status, class, and education on language use are discussed within the framework of various theoretical and methodological approaches.  Reasons for positive and negative evaluations of several high-and low-prestige varieties of English are investigated.  Prerequisite required:  G205 and/or G206. 

 

Z432 Second Language Acquisition

This course is designed to be an introduction to a broad range of issues in the field of second language acquisition, providing the student with an overview of the most important approaches to the fundamental question of how people learn a second language.  The principal components of the course are the study of psycholinguistic research, sociolinguistic research, and classroom research.  In addition to developing a basic understanding of the various approaches to developing a theory of second language learning, the course will address the question of how this knowledge informs practical application, i.e., teaching, and vice versa. 

 

Z434 Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language

This course is designed to help K-12 and post-secondary teachers to understand, recognize and address the language acquisition challenges of non-native English speakers, both in the U.S. and abroad. For ESL students in the U.S., this course will help teachers develop strategies to help students acquire the language, academic and social skills they need to become full members of their schools and communities. For EFL students living abroad,this course will help teachers prepare students for life in an English speaking country.  This course stresses the development and use of practical techniques and materials to teach ESL based on second-language acquisition principles.

 

Z441 Materials Preparation for ESL Instruction

Students learn about materials preparation, syllabus design, and test preparation by applying a variety of theories to books and other teaching devices (e.g., tapes, videotapes, computer and software programs) in order to evaluate their usefulness and will learn to evaluate ESL materials for adequacy.

 

Note:  For a complete listing of courses with days and times, refer to the IUPUI Schedule of Classes. These course descriptions are meant as a general guide to aid in your course selection; syllabi, textbooks, and requirements are given on the first day of class. In some cases, an instructor’s name is given, and that means the description that follows applies when that instructor teaches the course.