Last Updated: Fri, 12/26/2025
Course prefix:
LING
Course number:
2100
Semester:
Spring
Academic year:
2026
Course description:

This is an introductory course in linguistics (which also fulfills an Institute-wide humanities requirement). 

Course learning outcomes:

Students will be able to.... 

  • Describe key, motivating facts in the main subfields of theoretical linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics/pragmatics, sociolinguistics, language typology, acquisition.
  • Appreciate linguistic diversity, analyze cross-linguistic data, and reflect meta-linguistically on one’s own language(s).
  • Communicate clearly on technical topics: use precise vocabulary to make implicit knowledge of language explicit; state claims clearly with examples and supporting evidence; and contextualize ideas within a bigger picture.
    • [valuable for many career paths]
  • Combine and appreciate the value of both ‘scientific’ and ‘humanistic’ perspectives (on language and ideally in general).
  • Contribute to and benefit from a vibrant socio-intellectual community. Recognize that many questions remain open; feel empowered and welcome as potential junior researchers.
Required course materials:

Language Files, by the Ohio State University Department of Linguistics, 11th edition or later

Grading policy:
  • 35% Tests
  • 20% Homework
  • 15% Portfolios
  • 15% Quizzes
  • 10% Attendance and Participation
  • 5% Academic Engagement and End-of-semester reflection essay
  • TOTAL: 100%
Attendance policy:
  • Attend class physically and mentally.
  • Contribute to the socio-intellectual community.
  • Before each class, you should read the required materials.
  • In every class, you should be prepared to answer the instructor’s questions, listen to your peers’ questions/answers, and actively participate in class activities. You are encouraged to ask questions in class.
  • After each class, you should review the content covered in the class and complete homework. If you have trouble completing assignments, make an appointment with me.
  • (Some examples of ) Ways to participate:
  • Post questions on the Canvas discussion board
  • Share links or resources on the Canvas discussion board
  • Answer your peers’ questions on the Canvas discussion board
  • Come to office hours (group or individual) and ask questions on linguistics
  • Form a study group with your peers and submit your study report
  • Ask questions during lectures or discussion section
  • Volunteer answers to peer questions during a lecture or discussion section 
Academic honesty/integrity statement:
  • Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
  • An Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot pass a course. AI contributions must be attributed and true. AI use should be open and documented. AI here refers to AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and so on. These three principles apply to external help such as but not limited to tutors, friends, and virtual assistants.  
Core IMPACTS statement(s) (if applicable):

This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Humanities area.   

Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.    

This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:   

  • How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works?    

Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:   

  • Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts.    

Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:   

  • Ethical Reasoning   
  • Information Literacy   
  • Intercultural Competence    
Instructor First Name:
Hongchen
Instructor Last Name:
Wu
Section:
B
CRN (you may add up to five):
33068
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Department (you may add up to three):
Modern Languages