Courses with an asterisk (*) are not offered every year.
LING 232 Language and Society (4)
A general introduction to what languages are like, how they are used, and how they vary, focusing on how language interacts with society and culture. Some questions that are addressed include: Why doesn't everyone speak the same language? Do men and women talk differently? What is the relationship between endangered species and endangered languages? How does language influence our thoughts or behaviors?
LING 233 Language and Mind (4)
A general introduction to how language and cognition interact, focusing on how language is learned and produced. Some questions that will be addressed include: Is language innate? Is it unique to humans? How is language related to thought or to culture? How do we study how language is learned and used? How is language represented in the brain? How is language acquired in different cultures and different circumstances?
LING 332U "Do I speak wrong?" Language Myths in the USA (4)
This course examines the nature of language and language myths to show how opinion and unexamined biases about language develop into language ideologies and, subsequently, shape language policy and US American culture.
LING 334U "You have the right to remain silent: Language & the Law (4)
This course addresses how different subfields of linguistics dealing with sounds, word choices, conversation, and more are used to examine evidence that is used by the criminal justice system and legal profession.
LING 390 Introduction to Linguistics (4)
A general introduction to the study of linguistics and the tools for conducting linguistic analysis. This course includes a basic survey of phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, and a brief overview of other topics such as language in social contexts. This course is a prerequisite for many 400 level-courses in the department.
LING 391 WIC: Introduction to Applied Linguistics (4)
An introduction to core areas of applied linguistics, giving students experience with analyzing and writing about linguistic data using conventions that are typically expected in the field, both in terms of APA reference formatting and research article structure. Specific topics include language acquisition and discourse analysis. The course serves as a bridge between 300-level and 400-level coursework in the department, and it can be used toward the fulfillment of the University Writing Requirement. Prerequisite: LING 390.
LING 392 Structure of the English Language (4)
A study of basic English grammar with an emphasis on describing grammatical forms and their functions in communication.
LING 405/505 Reading and Conference (Credit to be arranged)
LING 406/506 Special Project (Credit to be arranged)
LING 407 Senior Seminar (4 credits)
The Senior Seminar synthesizes the Applied Linguistics major's various strands and applies the students’ linguistic knowledge to explore substantive issues in the field. Course content varies from quarter to quarter. Previous topics have included "Orality and Literacy," "Critical Linguistics," and "Language in Cyberspace.” In addition, students are guided through preparing résumés and CVs for graduate school or jobs. Those students planning on going to graduate school are advised to take the course in Fall Quarter. Prerequisites: 24 LING credits, senior standing, or instructor permission.
Fall 2023 Language in Cyberspace
Introduces you to the relatively new field of investigating language and language-related issues in digitally mediated environments. We will look at the nature of language itself as well as language use from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Here are some questions that will be addressed: How do people use emojis? And are there cultural differences? Is it really that bad not to use a period at the end of a text message? How do people craft an audience and identify on social media? What biases are there in AI?
LING 409/509 Language Teaching Practicum (4)
Practice teaching experience with the support of an experienced educator and peer group. Students teach at an assigned location, addressing the needs of real language learners. Weekly meetings with the course instructor and peers help with the development of teaching strategies and effective materials. The course includes observation and feedback from the instructor. Prerequisite: Speak with your faculty advisor about reserving your space in this course.
LING 409/509 Activist Applied Linguistics (4)
A hands-on, learn-by-doing course that focuses on ways applied linguists contribute to social justice efforts. Students have opportunities to bridge theory with practical real-world experience by working on authentic and relevant projects with various community partners.
LING 410/510 Selected Topics (Credit varies)
An omnibus course number used for experimental courses and for courses taught infrequently. Check the department’s course schedule to see if any special topics are offered this year.
Fall 2022 Beyond Methods: Contexts in Language Teaching
This course focuses on three main contexts for teaching English: teaching English abroad (EFL), teaching immigrants and refugees (community ESL), and teaching English for academic purposes. The main goal of the course is for students to gain an understanding of the uniqueness of these contexts, their learners, teaching methods, and curricula. To do so, we will explore factors that make each context unique. Additionally, we will look at the different ways issues like assessment and literacy play out across these three contexts. By the end of the term, students will have practical knowledge that will help them teach in these contexts. There is no prerequisite or required textbook.
LING 411/511 Syntax (4)
An introduction to modern generative grammatical theory, its methods, and findings. The course presents patterns of argumentation, models, and basic results of research. Prerequisites: LING 390 and LING 392, or LING 521
LING 412/512 Phonology (4)
An examination of sound patterns and how they are used in the world’s languages, how those patterns should be represented, and what theories have been advanced to explain those patterns. The course provides some historical background and some training in linguistic analysis and argumentation. Prerequisites: LING 390 and LING 415, or LING 513
LING 414/514 Linguistic Pragmatics (4)
A study of current theories of language use, particularly contextual and functional aspects of communication. Prerequisites: LING 390 or LING 521. Recommended: LING 391
LING 415/515 Phonetics (4)
An introduction to the sounds of the world’s languages with a concentration on English. Practical exercises develop skills in production, discrimination, and phonetic transcription. Applications include speech technology and speech pathology. Prerequisite: LING 390, LING 513, SPHR 222 or permission of instructor
LING 416/516 Discourse Analysis (4)
An examination of forms and functions in spoken and written texts. The course introduces a variety of analytic procedures for understanding and analyzing how texts are constructed. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 521. Recommended: LING 391, LING 392
LING 4/517 Endangered Languages (4)
How and why languages are endangered in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere in the world. Environmental factors, globalization, and colonization will be evaluated for the roles they have played. Consideration is also given to how dying languages can be maintained or "awakened" (revitalized).
LING 418/518 Morphology (4)
The study of words and word structure. The course develops skills for analyzing word formation across languages, examines the relationship between morphology, syntax and phonology, explores the theoretical assumptions that underlie morphological analysis, and presents some applications of morphological analysis. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 521 or LING 513. Recommended: LING 392
*LING 419/519 Language Typology (4)
The study and classification of languages according to their structural features. The course introduces structural linguistics and studies structures across languages, preparing students for theoretical and analytical courses in the department. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 521 or LING 513. Recommended: LING 391, LING 392
*LING 420/520 Historical and Comparative Linguistics (4)
The study of language relationships and language change. Topics include the genetic classification of languages, language and prehistory, methods of historical reconstruction, and language contact. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 521 or LING 513. Recommended: LING 392, LING 412, LING 414
LING 432/532 Sociolinguistics (4)
An examination of the role of language in society and how social factors can influence language use and attitudes. Topics include various social issues that involve language including language policy and language ideology. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 521 or LING 513. Recommended: LING 391, LING 392
*LING 433/533 Psycholinguistics (4)
A survey of psycholinguistics using methods developed in cognitive psychology. Psycholinguistics is an interdisciplinary field covering neurolinguistics, language acquisition, speech perception, language comprehension, reading and language production, among other things. This course focuses on models and theories of how the mind understands and produces language, and provides an introductory overview of the major areas and theoretical models of psycholinguistics. Prerequisites for LING 433: LING 390 or PSY 200 or PSY 204. Prerequisites for LING 533: LING 521 or LING 513 or undergraduate degree in psychology.
LING 435/535 Theory and Practice of Applied Linguistics (4)
An examination of current areas of applied linguistics research. Prerequisite: LING 390 and LING 391, or LING 521 or LING 513 or LING 531
*LING 437/537 First Language Acquisition (4)
An introduction to main aspects of first language acquisition in childhood, from infancy to the early school years. The course examines comprehension and production of the structural and social aspects of language, and includes discussion of language acquisition from linguistic, psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives with a focus on linguistic analysis. A research project based on collection and analysis of child language data is required. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 513. Recommended: LING 391, LING 392, LING 415/515
Ling 438/538 Second Language Acquisition (4)
An introduction to main aspects of second language acquisition from sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic perspectives. Content includes theories of second language acquisition, cognitive processes, the effects of linguistic environment, individual variables affecting SLA, and the relationship between first and second language. The course provides practice with observing and analyzing learner language. Recommended: LING 390 or 521
LING 439/539 Language Assessment (4)
Theoretical background and practical considerations in the conduct of language assessment. Students explore traditional, quantitative methods as well as alternative, qualitative methods for systematically gathering information to inform decisions about language ability. Prerequisite: LING 477/577
*LING 445/545 Linguistics and Cognitive Science (4)
An examination of current developments in linguistic theory and in psychological theories of perception, cognition, and information processing (with special focus on language processing). The course examines the fusion of linguistic and psychological theories into the rapidly growing field of cognitive science. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 521 or LING 513 or background in psychology. Recommended: LING 433/533, LING 391
LING 470/570 Grammar for TESOL (4)
Principles and practical applications of how to teach difficult grammatical structures in English, how to resolve problems and questions that frequently arise in the ESL classroom, and how to adapt and supplement ESL grammar texts. Prerequisite: LING 392 or LING 521 or instructor permission
LING 471/571 Understanding the International Experience (4)
An examination of communication-based dimensions of an international or intercultural experience, including teaching English to speakers of other languages. The course covers the development of strategies and activities required to meet the challenges of teaching, working, or doing research in an international/intercultural setting. All applied linguistics and TESL certificate students must register for LING 471/571; however, this course is also offered as INTL 471. Course may be taken only once for credit.
LING 472/572 Teaching Pronunciation (4)
A practical, hands-on course in which students apply phonetics and phonology in the context of language education. While the focus is on teaching English pronunciation, the course includes general theory and applications that are useful for students planning to teach pronunciation of other languages (e.g., Spanish, Chinese). Prerequisites: LING 390 or LING 513 or instructor consent
LING 473/573 Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) (4)
An introduction to the use of technology for language learning. The course covers how a variety of technologies can be used to promote different aspects of foreign/second language learning. It includes a discussion of CALL research and practical aspects of implementation (e.g., task design, assessment). Prerequisite: LING 477/577
LING 475/575 Curriculum Design and Materials Development in TESOL (4)
Principles of curriculum design and instructional materials development in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Students work in teams to assess needs, design syllabus, develop lessons and materials for an English language program. Prerequisite: LING 477/577 or instructor consent. Recommended: LING 478/578 or teaching experience
LING 476/576 Corpus Linguistics (4)
An introduction to the methods of corpus linguistics, a type of computer-assisted linguistic analysis, for research and teaching purposes. The course includes weekly computer lab sessions conducting corpus linguistics work. Recommended: LING 392 or LING 521
LING 477/577 TESOL Methods I (4)
The first in a two-course sequence on classroom teaching, covering theoretical and practical perspectives on classroom teaching and learning. Topics include lesson planning, learning through reflection, scaffolding, and teaching specific language skills. Some out-of-class time is required for English language classroom observations and group projects.
LING 478/578 TESOL Methods II (4)
The second in a two-course sequence on classroom teaching. Topics include: advanced lesson planning, materials development and teaching specific language skills not covered in TESOL Methods I. Some out-of-class time is required for English language classroom observations and group projects. Prerequisite: LING 477/577
*LING 480/580 Bilingualism (4)
A survey of issues involved with bilingualism and multilingualism throughout the world. The course explores the linguistic, sociolinguistic, and psycholinguistic aspects of simultaneous and subsequent acquisition of one or more languages. It includes perspectives of individual and societal bilingualism, and examines issues involved with bilingual language use, language processing, education, language planning, and language and identity. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 513 or LING 521. Recommended: LING 391
*LING 481/581 World Englishes (4)
An exploration of the role of English as a world language and varieties of English used in countries around the world. Students become familiar with such Englishes as Singapore English, Indian English, and Nigerian English.
Prerequisite: LING 232 or LING 390 or LING 521 or LING 513
*LING 482/582 Pidgins and Creoles (4)
An introduction to the language varieties arising in contact situations concentrating on African and New World creoles, and African American Vernacular English. The course considers the formation of pidgins and creoles in terms of both first and second language acquisition, and looks at the social factors involved in their creation. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 513 or LING 521. Recommended: LING 391, 432
*LING 490/590 History of the English Language (4)
A survey of the linguistic changes in English from Old English to modern English. This course covers the development and changes of English phonology, morphology, vocabulary, and syntax, focusing on the analysis of language data from each time period. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 513. Recommended: LING 392 or LING 521
LING 503 Thesis (Credit to be arranged)
LING 513 Applied Phonetics and Phonology (4)
An introduction to phonetics and phonology and their applications, primarily for the teaching of English as an additional language but also for solving other real-world problems. Students become familiar with the sound system of English and also are exposed to the sound systems of other languages, so they can diagnose and help with problems learners of English might have. Students will learn how to describe the sound system of English and represent its phonology with basic formalisms.
LING 521 Applied English Grammar (4)
A comprehensive description of English grammar and the development of skills for analyzing it in research and teaching. The course examines patterns of language use across different registers of English and introduces students to ways other languages differ from English in encoding similar information. Students learn to write grammatical analyses following conventions in applied linguistics and become familiar with commonly used databases for conducting language research.
LING 531 Language, Identity and Culture (4)
A systematic overview of theories and practices concerning the relationship of language, culture, and identity (personal and cultural). The course addresses common misconceptions about language and culture, and promotes an understanding of the affective nature of language. Students develop skills in analyzing information and data about culture and language, including variation in language use and thematic analysis of interview data. This course focuses on adult educational settings, domestic and global.
LING 565 Research in TESOL and Applied Linguistics (4)
An overview of the basics of reading and writing about research in TESOL and applied linguistics. The course develops students’ ability to discuss and evaluate research articles, and their skills for synthesizing research articles and identifying and evaluating research methodologies. Students also practice skills for proactively searching out information to better understand research so they can continue to be critical consumers of research as they enter the profession. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and 12 LING credits at the 500-level including LING 521
LING 566 Culminating Experience Workshop for TESOL and Applied Linguistics (4)
A portfolio development workshop for students in the MA TESOL program. As part of this course, students develop a portfolio that contains revised work from previous courses, prepare a short presentation, develop job application materials, and synthesize and reflect on what they have learned in the program. The course is designed to be taken during students’ last term in the program.