Fall 2023

Sang-Ki Lee, Ph.D.

Korea National University of Education

Department of English Language Education

Introduction to English Linguistics

Fall 2023 / Tues. 2:00 – 5:00 PM / H 233

Instructor: Sang-Ki Lee, Ph.D. Email: slee@knue.ac.kr (primary)

sangkissi@gmail.com (secondary)
Office: H 203 Office Phone: 043-230-3513

Office Hours: Please schedule a meeting by email.

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the study of language, with particular attention to the structure of English.
It will examine the component parts of language, such as syntax (the structure of sentences) and semantics
and pragmatics (meaning) as well as touch on other linguistic topics (e.g., language change, language
acquisition, etc.). While emphasis will be given to the structure of English, especially its morphosyntax, data
from other languages will also be looked at. The overall goals are (a) to become familiar with the key
concepts and terminologies needed to describe and analyze language; (b) to gain a basic understanding of
the way language works; (c) to appreciate how languages differ (and how they're the same); and (d) to help
in your reading of other linguistics-related references.

The course will be a combination of assigned readings, lectures, exercises, small group discussions, and
individual/group projects. No prior knowledge of linguistics or language description is assumed.

 All discussions and class activities will be conducted mainly in English.

Course Materials:

Required Textbooks
1. Fromkin, V., Rodman, R., & Hyams, N. (2013). An introduction to language (10th ed.). Boston, MA:
Thomson Wardsworth. – [FRH]
2. Parker, F., & Riley, K. (2009). Linguistics for non-linguists (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. – [PR]

Other Useful Resources

1. O’Grady, W., Archibald, J., Aronoff, M., & Rees-Miller, J. (2017). Contemporary linguistics: An
introduction (7th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.
2. Lightbown, P. M., & Spada, N. (2013). How languages are learned (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University
Press.
3. Dawson, H., & Phelan, M. (Eds). (2016). Language files: Materials for an introduction to language and
linguistics (12th ed.). Columbus: Ohio State University Press.
4. Pinker, S. (1994). The language instinct. New York: HarperCollins.

Additional readings will be provided by the instructor, or sought out by students throughout the semester.

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Sang-Ki Lee, Ph.D.

Course Requirements & Grading:

1. Regular attendance, reading, and class participation (5%)

Your attendance and active participation in class is essential to your success in it.
This includes coming to each class on time, prepared to discuss readings and other assignments.
2. Homework/Problem sets (good, satisfactory, poor) (10%)
Homework is due on the date specified; it will be accepted one class day late, lowered by one level;
after that, it will be accepted but will receive no credit.
3. Further Research Activity (FRA) (20%)
Beginning with Week 3, you are expected to conduct further research on an issue that you find
necessary for further discussion.
4. Three exams (15%+20%+30%)

* More detailed information will be provided during class meetings.

Late Work:

It is important that you keep up with every assignment in this course (including weekly reading
assignments). As an added incentive, no credit will be given for assignments handed in late, unless you
have a verifiable emergency or a doctor's notice. Please do not ask for extensions on deadlines.

Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated under any circumstances. Students who commit any form of
plagiarism in any part of the course will receive a failing grade in the entire course. Make
sure to understand what constitutes plagiarism, and when unsure seek the instructor's advice.

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Sang-Ki Lee, Ph.D.

Introduction to English Linguistics, Fall 2023

Tentative Course Schedule (subject to change)

Wk Topic Core Reading Main materials

1
Introduction, course preview, & Pretest PPT
(8/29)
2
What is language? PR, Ch. 1 & FRH, Ch. 6 PPT
(9/5)
3 FRH, Introduction
Brain and language PPT, FRA #1
(9/12) & PR, Ch. 13
4
The meaning of language: Pragmatics PR, Ch. 2 & FRH, Ch. 3 PPT, FRA #2
(9/19)
5
The meaning of language: Semantics PR, Ch.3 & FRH Ch. 3 PPT, FRA #3
(9/26)
6
TBA (highly likely, “History of English”) 동영상 강의
(10/3)
7
Exam I
(10/10)
8
Syntax I PR, Ch. 4, FRH, Ch. 2 PPT, FRA #4
(10/17)
9
Syntax II O'Grady (2017), Ch. 4 Extra Handout
(10/24)
10 Extra Handout,
Syntax III O'Grady (2017), Ch. 4
(10/31) FRA #5
11
Exam II
(11/7)
12 PR, Ch. 10 & Ch. 11
Language acquisition I PPT
(11/14) FRH, Ch. 7
Lightbown & Spada
13
Language acquisition II (2013), PPT, FRA #6
(11/21)
Ch. 1 & Ch. 2
14 Lightbown & Spada (2013),
Language acquisition III PPT, FRA #7
(11/28) Ch. 1 & Ch. 2
15
Exam III
(12/5)