Course Requirements and Grading Scheme

Homework. Throughout the semester we will have 25 reading assignments from the Contemporary Linguistics (CL) textbook with matching exercises in the Linguistics Workbook (LW). Keep track of the completion of each assignment on the attached orange record sheet. Feel free to ask questions or make comments in class or during our office hours.

Exams I, II, III. The tests will examine your knowledge of senses, structures, and sounds in language, based on Semantics, Morphology, Syntax, Phonetics, and Phonology chapters in the textbook and workbook.

Papers I and II. Each student in the class will work with Writing Fellows to write two ten-page papers. The first paper will be a descriptive report on the semantic and morphological features of a language that is not native to you (L2). The second paper will be a full linguistic analysis of a General Conference talk in English, using the oral presentation of the speaker on cassette and the written transcript of the speaker's words in the .

Final Examination. The comprehensive final exam will consist of matching definitions to key linguistic terms taken from the end of chapters in the textbook. All exams, including the final, will be held in our classroom, 1108 JKHB.

HONOR CODE AND TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: I believe that each student has a unique intelligence, potential, and mission that can be developed through education, diligence, and kindness. I recognize that we can have different teaching and learning styles. So I pray that every student will benefit significantly from at least one aspect of the class; I pray that at least one student will benefit completely from all the dimensions of the class. My teaching style stresses 1) writing to learn, 2) creativity, 3) open communication, 4) mutual respect, and 5) responsibility.

I believe that the love of language is the beginning of light in the mind. I try to live by the light of Christ's love. I strive to teach by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I support the mission of Brigham Young University. That means I enjoy combining spiritual and secular knowledge as we explore universes of discourse with our heart and mind.

I honor the Honor Code, and I expect you to do so in integrity, dress, language, attitude, and spirit. I hope that you will enjoy the semester. If you have any special classroom needs, please let me know. This syllabus is subject to minor revisions throughout the semester.