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for California State University, Fresno.

Department of Linguistics

COURSES

• Linguistics (LING)
• Arabic (ARAB)
• Chinese (CHIN)
• Hebrew (HEBR)
• Hmong (HMONG)
• Japanese (JAPN)
• Persian (PERS)
• Sanskrit (SKT)
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Linguistics (LING) --- Graduate Courses
  

Linguistics (LING)

LING 5. College Reading and Academic Language (3 units)
College reading and academic language competencies necessary for success in academic subject coursework, including active reading and vocabulary development strategies, summarizing, and elements of academic culture. FS (Formerly LING 40T)

LING 6. Advanced English Strategies (3 units)
Meets the university remediation requirement. Introduces strategies that ease transition to college reading and writing. Assists multilingual students with paraphrasing, summarizing, and essay writing; helps students build academic reading strategies. Credit cannot be used toward the linguistics major or minor. FS (Formerly ESL 30)

LING 10. Introduction to Language (3 units)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. The study of language - including its nature, structure, use, history, and acquisition - with the goal of imparting (1) an understanding of the importance of language in human affairs, including social and cultural functions and (2) an appreciation of its complexity and diversity. G.E. Breadth C2. FS

LING 11. Linguistics for Teachers (3 units)
Open to liberal studies majors only. Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. Covers basic linguistic analysis methods; introduces the subjects of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics exemplified by English and other languages. Meets the linguistic educational needs of K-6 teachers as mandated by state policy. FS

LING 30. Language through the Lifespan (3 units)
Physiological, psychological, and social aspects of language development and use during infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. First and second language acquisition, language and identity, and language and relationship. G.E. Breadth E1. FS

LING 40T. Topics in Linguistics
(1-4; max total 12 units if no topics repeated)
Topics to be offered at the discretion of the department.

LING 100. General Linguistics (3 units)
Linguistics methodology: phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Language history: variation and change. FS

LING 110W. Advanced Composition for Foreign Students (3 units)
Prerequisite: satisfactory completion (C or better) in ENGL 10 or 5B. Review of selected points of English usage. Conventions of writing essays formal research reports. Practice in paraphrasing and summarizing. Writing complex sentences in concise form. Meets the upper-division writing skills requirement for graduation. Credit cannot be used toward the linguistics major or minor. FS (Formerly ESL 110W)

LING 111W. Academic Writing Workshop (3 units)
Meets the upper-division writing skills requirement for graduation. Increases language awareness. Focuses on punctuation, usage, and the conventions of writing academic prose using style manuals. Credits may not be used toward the linguistics major or minor. FS

LING 115. Language, Culture, and Society (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area C. Studies the relationship between language, culture, and thought; cultural traditions and language arts; cultural norms and interactional styles; language and the development of ethnic and national identity; meanings of social variation in language; discourse styles; and social roles/relations. G.E. Integration IC. FS

LING 120. Japanese Language and Culture (3 units)
Understanding of the Japanese language in relation to the culture and society. Historical and sociocultural background, origin of Japanese, development of writing system, language variation, vocabulary, idioms and proverbs, discourse functions, levels of politeness, male-female speech, and cross-cultural communication. S

LING 130. Language and Gender (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area C. A critical examination of the relationship between language and gender; sexism in linguistic structure and oral and written discourse; gender-based variation in linguistic norms and practices in different cultures and social groups; and social, educational, and political implications. G.E. Integration IC. FS

LING 132. Linguistics and Reading (3 units)
The linguistics background necessary for teaching reading in English. The English spelling system; the grammar and vocabulary of written English; preparation and evaluation of materials for teaching reading. FS

LING 138. History of the English Language (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 10, 100 or 134. Study of the development of the sound system, grammar, vocabulary, and writing system of English.

LING 139. General Phonetics (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 100. Introduction to the phonetic properties of human languages; descriptive analysis of the speech sounds in a wide variety of languages; articulatory and acoustic aspects of speech; practice in production, perception, and transcription of speech sounds. Introduction to experimental techniques. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) FS

LING 140T. Topics in Linguistics
(1-4; max total 12 units if no topic repeated)
Topics to be offered at the discretion of the department.

LING 141. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (3 units)
Theories and methods of teaching English to speakers of other languages. FS

LING 142. Phonology (3 units)
The sound patterns of human language. Phonemic theory and analytical techniques. Distinctive feature theory and analysis. Major phonological processes and their description. FS

LING 143. Syntax (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 100. Theory and practice in the description of grammatical systems. Comparison of approaches. Practical experience with data. FS

LING 144. Discourse Analysis (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 100. Basic concepts in the study of discourse, including conversational structure; structure of narrative and expository texts; information flow; differences between spoken and written language; and implications for the study of grammar and for the teaching of language.

LING 145. Historical Linguistics (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 100. Explanation of similarities among languages; methods of reconstructing past languages and investigating relationship and grouping among languages. Comparison of approaches to language change. S

LING 146. Practical English Grammar for Language Teachers (3 units)
English grammar from the perspective of the teacher. Format designed to be compatible with classroom needs of language arts and ESL teachers. By analyzing English structures, students gain confidence in their ability to teach English grammar to ethnically diverse students. FS

LING 147. Bilingualism (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Examines bilingualism as an individual and societal phenomenon. Looks at language and identity, bilingual language acquisition, and bilingual education. Survey of bilingual and multilingual situations and current issues associated with language diversity in the United States and elsewhere in the world. G.E. Multicultural/International MI. FS

LING 148. Sociolinguistics (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 100. Methods of investigation and major findings in the study of the relationship among languages of the world and social class, race, age, sex, and other social subcategories. Political and educational implications. Interaction between linguistic and social factors in linguistic variations. FS

LING 149. Corpus Linguistics (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 100. Covers the development and use of large language corpora as they are used in theoretical and empirical research in linguistics. Corpus linguistics is useful for students with an interest in ESL, syntax, semantics, computational linguistics, forensic linguistics, language variation, spelling, and reading.

LING 151. Languages of the World (3 units)
A survey of the linguistic features of the languages and language families of the world with an introduction to sound patterns, word structures, and sentence constructions. (Formerly LING 140T)

LING 155. Computer-Assisted Language Learning (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 100. Current theory, research, and practice in computer-assisted language learning. Some minimal experience in using computers is assumed. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) F

LING 165. Language Acquisition (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 100. An examination of the first and second language acquisition. Overview of current research in the field and implications for areas of applied linguistics, psychology, education, and sociology. FS

LING 171. Practicum in TESL (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 141 (may be taken concurrently). Provides practice in teaching English as a Second Language listening, speaking, reading, and writing; includes class visitation, classroom demonstrations, and lesson planning. Introduces students to cross-cultural communication issues. FS

LING 190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6 units)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for RP grading.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSES

Arabic (ARAB)

ARAB 1A. Elementary Arabic A (3 units)
Beginning course in modern standard Arabic focusing on elementary conversational and written Arabic and cultural traditions of Arabic speaking people. G.E. Breadth C2. (Formerly LING 40T) F

ARAB 1B. Elementary Arabic B (3 units)
Prerequisite: ARAB 1A or consent of professor. Beginning course in modern standard Arabic focusing on developing conversational and written skills, vocabulary, and grammar. Studies cultural heritage of Arabic speaking people with emphasis on poetry as an important cultural expression. (Formerly LING 40T) G.E. Breadth C2. S

ARAB 2A. Intermediate Modern Arabic 2A (3 units)
Prerequisite: ARAB 1B or consent of instructor. First semester intermediate course in modern standard Arabic focusing on grammar and development of writing, reading, and speaking skills. Studies cultural heritage of Arabic speaking people with emphasis on Arabic contemporary poetry and prose. (Formerly LING 40T)

ARAB 2B. Intermediate Modern Arabic 2B (3 units)
Prerequisite: good working knowledge of Arabic or consent of instructor. Second course in intermediate Arabic focusing on development of proficiency in conversational, written, and reading skills. Studies the cultural heritage of the Arabic speaking world with emphasis on Arabic classical and contemporary poetry and prose. (Formerly LING 40T)

 

Chinese (CHIN)

CHIN 1A. Elementary Chinese (3 units)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. Beginning course in modern Mandarin Chinese, including basic communication skills, cultural traditions (literature, music, philosophy, and lifestyle) of the Chinese people, and appreciation/practice of the most important Chinese art form: calligraphy. G.E. Breadth C2. FS

CHIN 1B. Elementary Chinese (3 units)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. Not open to students with previous training. Beginning course in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese including developing and understanding of the traditions and lifestyles of the speakers of the language. G.E. Breadth C2. FS

CHIN 2A-B. Intermediate Chinese (3-3 units)
Prerequisite: CHIN 1B. Intermediate grammar, speaking, reading, and writing. 2A - F; 2B - S

CHIN 100. Advanced Chinese (3 units)
Advanced Mandarin Chinese course focusing on the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as the traditions and culture of the Chinese people. (Formerly LING 140T)

Hebrew (HEBR)

HEBR 1A-B. Basic Hebrew (3-3 units)
Basic structure and pronunciation of Hebrew; practice in reading, writing, speaking, and grammar; suitable introduction to both Biblical and modern Hebrew.

Hmong (HMONG)

HMONG 1A-B. Basic Hmong (3-3 units)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2 for HMONG 1B. Beginning course in spoken Hmong. Covers listening comprehension and oral practice, basic grammar, vocabulary, and traditions and lifestyle of the speakers of the language. HMONG 1B is G.E. Breadth C2. 1A - FS

HMONG 4. Beginning Literacy for Hmong Speakers (3 units)
For the native speaker of Hmong. Emphasis on basic reading and composition skills. Includes practice in reading and writing simple texts. Covers the traditions and lifestyles of the speakers of the language.

HMONG 100. Intermediate Reading and Composition (3 units)
Prerequisite: HMONG 4 or equivalent. Further development of reading and composition skills. Includes practice in reading expository texts and review of grammatical structures.

HMONG 101. Advanced Reading and Composition (3 units)
Prerequisite: HMONG 100 or equivalent. Emphasis on strategies for complex texts. Enhancement of composition fluency and grammatical accuracy.

Japanese (JAPN)

JAPN 1A. Elementary Japanese A (3 units)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. Not open to native speakers of Japanese. First course in modern Japanese, including basic communication skills, cultural traditions of the Japanese people, and appreciation/practice of calligraphy. G.E. Breadth C2. FS

JAPN 1B. Elementary Japanese B (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation A2; JAPN 1A. Not open to native speakers of Japanese. Second course in modern Japanese, including basic communication skills, cultural traditions of the Japanese people, and appreciation/practice of calligraphy. G.E. Breadth C2. FS

JAPN 2A-B. Intermediate Japanese (3-3 units)
Prerequisite: JAPN 1B. Further development of communicative skills in conversational Japanese. Also covers reading and writing in Kana and 200 Kanji characters. 2A-F; 2B-S

JAPN 100. Advanced Japanese (3 units)
Prerequisite: JAPN 2B or its equivalent. Enhancement of oral communicative fluency as well as grammatical accuracy. Includes practice in reading some expository writing. Covers 150 Kanji characters. S

 

Persian (PERS)

PERS 1A. Elementary Modern Persian A (3 units)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. Beginning course in modern Persian focusing on elementary conversational and written Persian and cultural traditions of Persian speaking people. G.E. Breadth C2. (Formerly LING 40T) F

PERS 1B. Elementary Modern Persian B (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation A2; PERS 1A or consent of professor. Beginning course in modern Persian focusing on developing conversational and written skills, vocabulary, and grammar. Studies cultural heritage of Persian speaking people with emphasis on poetry as an important cultural expression. G.E. Breadth C2. (Formerly LING 40T) S

PERS 2A. Intermediate Modern Persian 2A (3 units)
Prerequisite: PERS 1B or consent of professor. First semester intermediate course in modern Persian focusing on grammar and development of writing, reading, and speaking skills. Studies cultural heritage of Persian speaking people with emphasis on Persian contemporary poetry and prose. (Formerly LING 40T)

PERS 2B. Intermediate Modern Persian 2B (3 units)
Prerequisite: good working knowledge of Persian or consent of professor. Second course in intermediate Persian focusing on development of proficiency in conversational, written, and reading skills. Studies cultural heritage of Persian speaking world with emphasis on Persian classical and contemporary poetry and prose. (Formerly LING 40T)

Sanskrit (SKT)

SKT 10A-B. Sanskrit (3-3 units)
Introduction to the Sanskrit language and the Devanagari script. Core grammatical structure and vocabulary. Reading of Sanskrit texts. Literary tradition and lifestyle of the speakers of the language, and relationship with Greek, Latin, and Germanic languages.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Newly arrived international students are required to take the University English Exam (UEE) during their on campus orientation. They are exempted from or placed into an ESL course based on their performance on this test.

(See Special Programs - International Programs section for English courses for speakers of other languages offered through the Linguistics Department.)

GRADUATE COURSES

(See Catalog Numbering System.)

Linguistics (LING)

LING 231T. Seminar in Linguistics
(3; max total 12 units if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: LING 100 and permission of instructor. Topics to be offered at the discretion of the department.

LING 232T. Seminar in English Linguistics
(3; max total 12 units if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: LING 100 and permission of instructor. Topics to be offered at the discretion of the department.

LING 236. Teaching Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation to Speakers of Other Languages (3 units)
An overview of the current theory, research, and practice in teaching listening, speaking, and pronunciation in a second language. Topics also include introduction to basic instrumental analysis of speech data in teaching L2 pronunciation. (Formerly LING 231T)

LING 237. Teaching Reading and Writing to Speakers of Other Languages (3 units)
An overview of theory, research, and practice in the teaching and learning of vocabulary, reading, and writing in a second language.

LING 239. Phonetics (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 100 or consent of instructor. A graduate class on phonetics that provides advanced instruction and entry to the primary literature on two topics: the phonetics of English and acoustic phonetic analysis. No previous phonetics course is assumed of students. (Formerly LING 231T)

LING 241. Seminar in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 141. Overview of research, theory, and pedagogy in the field; includes culture, second language acquisition, and professional issues.

LING 242. Seminar in Phonology (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 142. Current theories of how the structure of sounds and syllables; the relation of sound structure to other parts of the grammar (words, sentences) and to first and second language acquisition. Data from a wide variety of languages.

LING 243. Seminar in Syntax (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 143. Current theories of how sentences are structured; the relation of sentence structure to other parts of the grammar (words, meaning) and to first and second language acquisition. Data from a wide variety of languages.

LING 244. Curriculum Design and Classroom Evaluation (3 units)
Covers techniques for designing language courses including assessment of needs, formulation of objectives, and evaluation of student learning; includes theory and methods of designing effective instruments for L2 classroom assessment.

LING 245. Seminar in Historical Linguistics (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 145. Contribution of recent work on general linguistics, socio-linguistics, and language acquisition studies to our understanding of diachronic grammar and its reconstruction. Other topics include the insights provided by language variation, language universals and typology, and discourse analysis.

LING 248. Seminar in Sociolinguistics (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 148 or consent of instructor. A critical survey of current research in sociolinguistics; research methodologies; theoretical issues concerning the relationship between linguistic variation and social variables, such as social class, ethnicity, gender, and social relations; bilingualism, multilingualism, World Englishes, and language planning; implications for language teaching.

LING 249. Field Methods in Linguistics (3; max total 6 units if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: LING 142 or 143 or consent of instructor. First-hand experience in collecting and analyzing linguistic data. Exact nature of data varies by semester: less well-known languages, children's language, interlanguage, classroom interaction, etc.

LING 251. Seminar in Discourse Analysis (3 units)
Prerequisite: LING 144 or consent of instructor. Exploration and analysis of the functional and other linguistic bases for the organization of units larger than the sentence.

LING 265. Seminar in Language Acquisition (3 units)
A critical survey of current research in both first and second language acquisition; research methodologies; major theoretical issues in first and second language acquisition; firsthand experience in collecting and analyzing L1 and L2 acquisition data; implications for language teaching. (Formerly LING 231T)

LING 290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6 units)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for RP grading.

LING 299A-B. Thesis (3-3 units)
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree. (A) Thesis design. (B) Thesis writing. A and B may be taken concurrently. Approved for RP grading.

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