T, Th 3:00-5:00 p.m. Bond
Winter, 2004 Bond@ohio.edu
Office: 11-12 M, T, W, Th
http://www.cats.ohiou.edu/linguistics/dept/bond.htm
COURSE
Historical linguistics deals with language in time. In this course, we will
examine kinds of language change and how we investigate them.
TEXT
The text for the course is R.L Trask, Historical Linguistics, 1996.
The other book for the course is: Sarah G. Thomason, Language Contact: An Introduction, 2001. This book is not a text, but the basis of your term paper.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
· Midterm examination
· Final examination
· Term paper, a critical evaluation of the Crystal book.
· In addition, you are responsible for occasional homework assignments.
The first three requirements count equally, 30% each. The occasional homework
assignments count for 10% of your grade.
SPECIAL EVENTS
W. Tecumseh Fitch, Evolution of language: A comparative approach, Tuesday, 13 January, 5 p.m. New Lecture Facility.
Brian Joseph, Sources for Studying Sound Change - the Benefits (and Pitfalls) of Technology, Tuesday, 3 February, 3 p.m. Gordy 301.
Stephen Pinker, The blank slate: The modern denial of human nature, Monday, 8 March, 8 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium.
TOPICS AND READING ASSIGNMENTS:
Week 1: 5 January: Language Change
Chapter 1 in Historical Linguistics
Week 2: 12-14 January: Phonological Change
Chapters 2 and 3 in Historical Linguistics
Week 3: 19-21 January: Phonological Change
Chapter 4 in Historical Linguistics
Week 4: 26-28 January: Morphological Change
Chapter 5 in Historical Linguistics
Week 5: 2-4 February: Syntactic Change, Language Families
Chapter 6 and 7 in Historical Linguistics
Week 6: 9-11 February: Recovering past forms of a language
Midterm examination, 11 February
Chapter 8 in Historical Linguistics
Week 7: 16-18 February: More on recovering past forms
Chapter 9 in Historical Linguistics
Week 8: 23-25 February: Causes of language change
Chapter 10 in Historical Linguistics
Week 9: 2-4 March: Prehistory
Chapter 12 in Historical Linguistics
Week 10: 9-11 March: Deep time
Chapter 13 in Historical Linguistics
The scheduled time for the final examination is Wednesday, 17 March, 12:20 p. m.
TERM PAPER
The term paper, a critical evaluation of Sarah G. Thomason, Language Contact:
An Introduction is due on the last day of classes. You are encouraged to consult
secondary sources. When you do, give proper credit.
The paper should be between 5 and 10 pages in length and consist of a summary
of the claims made by the author as well as an evaluation of the claims. When
writing a critical review, keep in mind the following sorts of questions:
· Is the claim likely to be true?
· How good is the evidence?
· How does the claim advance linguistic knowledge?
· Do we have to reject some previously held beliefs?
SOME MATTERS OF BUSINESS
1) As I am sure you are aware, cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are cardinal sins in a university community. One can be penalized for these both academically and through Student Judiciaries. As per regulations, here is the University policy on academic misconduct.
Academic Misconduct is a Code A violation of the Ohio University Code of Student Conduct. Academic Misconduct refers to dishonesty on examinations (cheating), presenting the ideas or the writings of someone else as one's own (plagiarism), or knowingly furnishing false information to the University. If you are found to be involved in academic misconduct, you will receive an F grade on the project or for the class and/or referral to the Director of Judiciaries with the possible sanctions of expulsion or suspension.
2) Regrettably, late work may be penalized
3) If you request an Incomplete (I) for this course, the highest final grade you can receive is B.