Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

• Spring Quarter 2013
• Summer Quarter 2013
• Autumn Quarter 2013

Edith Aldridge
LING 454
Seattle Campus

Methods in Comparative Linguistics

Method and theory of historical and comparative linguistics. Problems of phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic change and reconstruction. Prerequisite: either LING 200, LING 201, ANTH/LING 203, or LING 400.

Class description

This course introduces the basic concepts of historical linguistics and comparative reconstruction. Main focus is on the types of changes which commonly occur, examining a broad range of languages. The course also touches on genetic classification, language families, and writing systems.

Student learning goals

Gain introductory knowledge of the field of historical linguistics

Practice the analytic methods employed in linguistic analysis

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

Textbook: Campbell, Lyle. 2004. Historical Linguistics: An Introduction. (2nd edition). MIT Press.

Class assignments and grading

Midterm exam: 20% Final exam: 30% Homework: 35% Preparation and class participation: 15%

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Modified:May 17, 2013