Selected Topics in Linguistics

DESCRIPTION:
In this capstone course, senior undergraduate students probe a specific area of linguistics culminating in a research project using primary and secondary research. Topics may vary every year depending on student interest and expertise of staff. Areas may include: phonetics, phonology, morphology (of some aspect of English or some other pre-approved language), syntax, semantics, pragmatics, learning and teaching methodologies, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, history of languages and language change.

RATIONALE: 
Advanced undergraduates engage in an in-depth study of an area of linguistics, carry out primary and secondary research and analysis of data; construct arguments on fundamental linguistic issues that stimulate further thinking and elicit productive criticism; and present their findings in written form.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles and paradigms of educational research within the field of linguistics.
2. Construct a research question appropriate to the chosen topic.
3. Create and execute a small-scale research study using appropriate primary and secondary research methodology, following institutional guidelines on research with human subjects.
4. Demonstrate a high level of information literacy competence in accessing and critically evaluating current literature in the field which is relevant to the enquiry.
5. Analyze and explain the findings or aspects of the project in appropriate written and oral formats.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Lectures, class discussions, workshop-style pair work and group work during class meetings; 
• Formative exercises and online learning tasks through the Blackboard online tools designed to help students acquire confidence and benefit from independent study;
• Additional print and audiovisual educational material posted on the Blackboard course template;
• Timely instructor feedback on assignments;
• Other relevant educational material placed on reserve in the library;
• Individualized assistance during office hours for further discussion of lecture material, additional reading, assignments and examinations;
• Close collaboration with the Library and SASS to encourage students’ effective use of academic support services.