Advanced Linguistics EENG 4221

Course description:

This course is designed to introduce the students to the most important concepts and topics in advanced linguistics. It covers the following topics: socio-linguistics, psycho-linguistics, first language acquisition, second language acquisition, transformational syntax, phonology, morphology, historical linguistics, comparative linguistics, descriptive linguistics as well as semantics and pragmatics. It will also tackle notions related to the deep structure, surface structure, transformational rules, morphemes, rule formation, the underlying form of the word, the phonetic form of the word and derivational and inflectional morphology.

Course Aims:

The course aims to:
  • Know the key concepts and topics of advanced linguistics.
  • Get a good idea about socio- linguistics and psycho-linguistics.
  • Know how first and second language are acquired.
  • Know how to link deep structure with the surface structure.
  • Be familiar with key concepts and historical comparative and descriptive linguistics.
  • Distinguish between the connotative and denotative meanings of the words.

Course outcomes:

By the end of this course students are expected to:
  • Acquire the most important concepts of advance linguistics.
  • Have deep understanding of socio-linguistics and psycho-linguistics.
  • Get better understanding of 1st language acquisition and 2nd language learning.
  • Distinguish between the surface structure and the deep structure.
  • Get a profound idea about the difference between comparative linguistics and historical linguistics. 
  •  Apply the connotative and denotative meanings in life situations.