Most courses are grouped in packages based on prerequisites and scheduling considerations. These packages also make it easier for students to take courses at other SIL schools, if desired. Taking courses in the standard packages works out best for many people. However, some variation is possible based on individual interests and prior experience in similar courses, especially for students in the advanced courses. Please contact the SIL-UND Director if you'd like to take a combination of courses other than the standard packages.

Table of contents

• Package A: Language and Linguistics (Introductory package)
• Package B: Linguistic Fieldwork
• Package C: Advanced Courses
• Package L: Literacy Megacourse
• Package S: Signed Languages
• Individualized study (primarily for students in the M.A. program)

The descriptions below provide details not in the official UND graduate and undergraduate course descriptions as well as recent changes approved by the University but not yet published officially.

Not all courses are offered in all years. Those that we have definite plans to offer in the next couple years are marked; a few others that we anticipate offering some time in the next five years if there is sufficient interest are listed with no indication of when they might be available.

[Names in brackets] are the SIL "standard" name for the course; these names make it easier to identify comparable courses offered by SIL International in other locations. Contact the SIL-UND Director if you have specific questions.

Return to:
[Top of course descriptions]
[Index to SIL-UND catalog]
[SIL-UND home page]

Language and Linguistics Package (Introductory Package A)

This is the core package of courses that most students start with; it provides a solid foundation for further advanced study in linguistics. Articulatory Phonetics introduces you to the sounds used in spoken languages, and trains you in recognizing, producing, transcribing and classifying them. Syntax and Morphology presents an in-depth overview of the structures used for building words and sentences in the world's languages. Sociolinguistics looks at the big picture of how language is used in society—things like bilingualism, dialect variation, and language attitudes. Finally, Second Language Acquisition helps you apply it all in learning a language—any language—especially in situations where no textbooks or classes are available.

Ling 450: Articulatory Phonetics [Phonetics]
2 semester hours *every year*
Introduction to the theory and practice of articulatory phonetics; intensive drill in definition, recognition, production and transcription of the whole range of sounds used in human speech. (Available for graduate credit under some circumstances.)

Ling 452: Syntax and Morphology I [Grammar I]
3 semester hours *every year*
Fundamentals of analyzing the syntactic and morphological structures of languages from a generative viewpoint, including transformational grammar, unification grammars, and amorphous morphology; consideration of the communicative function of linguistic structures and typological variation; practical analytical skills developed through graded problems based on a wide variety of languages.

Ling 470: Introduction to Sociolinguistics [Language and Society]
2 semester hours *every year*
An introduction to language as a context-dependent social phenomenon. Indicates how various contexts and social factors such as age, gender, social class, status, setting, and topic influence linguistic choices, with special attention to multilingual societies.

Ling 480: Second Language Acquisition Theory and Practice [Language Acquisition]
3 semester hours *every year*
Pre- or Corequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics). This requirement is waived if the student is working with a signed language in the course. Also, it is recommended that this course be taken at the same time as Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1).
Equips the student for success in autonomous learning of language and culture. This is accomplished through working with a native speaker of another language, in sessions led first by a staff member and later by students. These are usually scheduled in the afternoon, outside of regular class sessions, and are required for all students. The sessions are guided by the principles of input- interactionist language learning theories and emphasize understanding before speaking, speaking before writing, and building relationships with language speakers. Class meetings aim to help students get the most out of the language-learning sessions and require some readings. Topics include the nature of and strategies for language learning; the relevance of individual factors; the integration of language learning and culture learning, and basic strategies for an initial investigation of culture; an overview of language structure; and ongoing self evaluation and self direction. The course is designed to give students tools for independent language and culture learning, a deeper confidence of their ability in this area, and a joyful sense of accomplishment at the end of the course.
Special equipment: Headphones for use with an MP3 player or computer, for listening to recordings of language sessions. (If you have an MP3 player or computer, it will be useful to bring it too, but only the headphones are required because we have a computer lab available.)

Return to:
[Top of course descriptions]
[Index to SIL-UND catalog]
[SIL-UND home page]

Linguistic Fieldwork Package (Package B)

Ling 451: Phonology I
3 semester hours *every year*
Prerequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) or equivalent.
Introduction to the analysis of the sound systems of spoken languages; intensive practice in the application of generative theory to problem solving and to field techniques. Introduction to basic principles for developing orthographies and for tone analysis. (Available for graduate credit under some circumstances.)

Ling 460: Ethnographic Methods in Field Linguistics [Ethnographic Methods]
3 semester hours *every year*
Prerequisites: An introduction to linguistics, such as that provided by the Language and Linguistics (Introductory) package or by a course entitled "Introduction to Linguistics" (such as English 209 at UND).
Orientation on cultural anthropology and ethnographic research methods for the field linguist, with special attention to the interaction between language and culture.

Ling 506: Field Methods
3 semester hours *every year*
Prerequisites: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics), 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1), and 480 (Second Language Acquisition) or equivalents. Pre- or Corequisite: Ling 451 (Phonology 1) or equivalent.
Practical aspects of linguistic fieldwork and analysis, including an intensive practicum with speakers of a non-Western language for the purposes of developing skill in data collection, data management (using some computational tools), and the analysis and description of the phonological, grammatical and lexical structures of human languages. In addition to regularly-scheduled class hours, there are required sessions working individually or in small groups with speakers of the language under study.
Required equipment: (If you don't own appropriate equipment, wait until the class begins to get specific advice before buying anything. In some cases, equipment may be available to borrow.) For work with spoken languages: a cassette tape recorder, electronic digital audio recorder, or computer with audio recording capability; external microphone; headphones. This equipment should be music quality, not just speech quality. Ability to select and repeat short sections of a recording are very helpful. For work with signed languages: a digital camcorder, tripod, and computer with ability to capture and playback digital video.

Ling 530: Introduction to Writing Systems
1 semester hour *every year*
Prerequisite: Ling 470 (Intro to Sociolinguistics) or equivalent. Pre- or Corequisite: Ling 451 (Phonology 1) or equivalent.
Introduction to the principles of designing and testing a writing system. Attention is given to linguistic, sociolinguistic, educational, psycholinguistic, political/ideological, production and implementation issues in orthographic development. (This course can also be taken as part of the Literacy Megacourse, Package L.)

Return to:
[Top of course descriptions]
[Index to SIL-UND catalog]
[SIL-UND home page]

Advanced Courses (Package C)

Unlike the other course packages, advanced courses are not necessarily intended to be taken all together at the same time. Each course operates independently of the others.

Ling 503: Phonology II
3 semester hours *2008*
Prerequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) and Ling 451 (Phonology 1) or equivalents.
Phonological phenomena examined from a generative framework; emphasis on creation and testing of hypotheses about the phonological systems of particular languages. Instruction in theories of nonlinear phonology, syllable theory, feature geometry, underspecification theory, and autosegmental phonology. The course assumes a basic knowledge of generative phonology.

Ling 504: Advanced Syntax [Grammar II]
3 semester hours (planned for 2009)
Prerequisite: Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) or equivalent.
Advanced study of syntactic analysis based on current syntactic theory, with emphasis on linguistic argumentation and application of theory to the analysis of language data. It is designed to present advanced syntactic theory in a way optimally conducive to field linguistic research. (Various theoretical frameworks are used as the basis for the course; most recently the course has been based on Role and Reference Grammar. Regardless of the framework chosen, the aims and approach will be similar.) Normally offered in alternate years with Ling 505 (Typology and Discourse).

Ling 505: Typology and Discourse [Grammar II]
3 semester hours *2008*
Prerequisite: Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) or equivalent.
Grammatical and discourse structure of languages from the perspective of language typology and functional approaches to grammar, focusing on cross-linguistic generalizations in the domains of morphosyntax, semantics, pragmatics and discourse. Normally offered in alternate years with Ling 504 (Advanced Syntax).

Ling 510: Semantics and Pragmatics [Semantics]
3 semester hours *every year*
Pre- or Corequisite: Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) or equivalent.
Various dimensions of meaning on the lexical, propositional, and inter-propositional levels. Meaning is studied both as a property of linguistic expressions and as derived from contextual factors. Topics include principles of lexicography, selectional restrictions, operators and their scope, illocutionary force, inference, and relations between form and meaning.

Ling 511: Translation of Texts: Theory and Practice [Translation I]
3 semester hours *2008*
Prerequisite: Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) and 2 years of foreign language or equivalent proficiency; Pre- or Corequisite: Ling 510 (Semantics and Pragmatics).
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of text translation, emphasizing the accurate, natural and clear transference of meaning across languages and cultures. Current issues in translation theory will be discussed, especially the approach based on Relevance Theory. Practical aspects of the course will include recognizing common translation problems and solutions, maintaining quality control, the role of computation, program planning aspects of translation projects or activities, and teaching others to translate.

Ling 519: Introduction to Literacy Principles
3 semester hours *2008*
Prerequisites: Ling 451 (Phonology 1) and 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) or equivalents; Recommended pre- or Corequisite Ling 530 (Introduction to Writing Systems) or equivalent.
Introduction to literacy principles, methods, materials, and programs in multilingual societies, especially those involving one or more minority languages. Includes language policy and planning, reading theory, materials design, and literacy program design and implementation, with special emphasis on training and assisting members of the minority language community to establish and maintain ongoing literacy programs. Intended as an introduction to the topic for field linguists who are not planning to be literacy specialists. Content is similar to the Literacy Megacourse (Ling 520/521/522), but in less depth; it may be taught with some class sessions in common with the larger package. May not be used for graduate credit on the same program of study as 520/521/522.

Ling 507: Special Topics: Tone
3 semester hours (planned for 2009)
Prerequisite: Ling 451 (Phonology I) or equivalent.
Of particular interest within the field of phonology, tone studies are important not only for theoretical insight but also as regards proper representation of a language in written form. Students in this course will be introduced to a methodology of tone analysis, focusing on the analysis of one field language and incorporating the insights of current theoretical approaches. The instructor will be Keith Snider.
Course Objectives: By the end of the course, successful students will:

• be able to hear and accurately transcribe the tonal melodies of spoken words and short phrases,
• have a methodology firmly in mind for analyzing a tone language,
• be able to recognize a variety of common tonal phenomena,
• be able to properly relate tonal phenomena to linguistic theory,
• be able to clearly and accurately describe the tone system of a tonal language,
• understand the implications of tone analysis for orthography development, and
• look forward to analyzing a tone language.

Ling 507: Special Topics: Language and Dialect Survey
3 semester hours (planned for 2009)
Prerequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) and Ling 470 (Introduction to Sociolinguistics) or equivalent.
This course covers the principles of surveying, quantifying, and interpreting data on language attitudes, identity, bilingualism, intelligibility, vitality, language spread, shift, maintenance and death. Surveying sign languages will also be discussed. This course assumes a background in basic linguistics, such as provided by the courses in the Language and Linguistics package above. Students who want extra practical experience should also take the optional lab course (described below).

Ling 507: Special Topics: Language and Dialect Survey Lab
1-2 semester hours (planned for 2009)
Pre- or Corequisite: Language and Dialect Survey
Practical experience in applying principles and procedures discussed in Language and Dialect Survey.

Ling 507: Special Topics: Acoustic Phonetics
3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) or equivalent. Pre- or Corequisite: Ling 451 (Phonology I) or equivalent.
This course focuses the theoretical and instrumental study of the acoustic properties of speech sounds; classificatory criteria; speech analysis and synthesis; experimental techniques; and laboratory work. A special emphasis will be given to acoustic studies of segments, words and sentences in the context of intonation. By the end of the course, students should be confident in their abilities to relate acoustic phonetic data to their linguistic analyses, and to plan, carry out and analyze the results of experiments in phonetics. Basic techniques in acoustic phonetics such as recording, annotation, fundamental frequency analysis, formant frequency analysis, and spectrographic analysis will be studied.

Ling 507: Special Topics: Historical Linguistics
3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Ling 451 (Phonology I) and Ling 470 (Introduction to Sociolinguistics) or equivalent.
Historical-comparative linguistics is the scientific approach to studying relationships between languages. It is especially useful for those interested in language survey, language planning, language development in clusters of languages and adaptation of translated materials between related languages. This course addresses the question of linguistic similarity due to genetic relatedness (descent from a common ancestor language or proto-language) versus similarity due to contact and areal phenomena (e.g. borrowing). Historical-comparative linguistics employs the comparative method as a means for determining genetic relationship between language varieties, positing linguistic groupings based on shared innovations and for reconstructing a proto-language for each group. This historical analysis also includes identification of linguistic features which have resulted from external, contact-induced processes such as areal diffusion, multilingual convergence, borrowing, and interlinguistic analogy. The course will also explore Variation Theory as a means for explaining and predicting asymmetrical intelligibility relationships through a careful examination of comparative data.

Return to:
[Top of course descriptions]
[Index to SIL-UND catalog]
[SIL-UND home page]

Literacy Megacourse (Package L)

The literacy megacourse is designed to prepare a person to become a literacy specialist. It provides training in reading theory, three basic approaches to basic literacy, the theory and methodology of designing a range of pedagogical materials, principles of designing and testing a writing system, and an introduction to the full range of issues involved in designing and implementing a literacy program. Due to the tight integration of the three courses Ling 520, 521, and 522, these three must all be taken together. The fourth course, Introduction to Writing Systems, is somewhat independent of the other three; see discussion below about prerequisites for it.

The whole literacy megacourse is currently offered only in odd-numbered years at SIL-UND. Those who want it at other times may want to consider taking an equivalent package of courses offered during the spring semester by the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics, or they may want to take the smaller Ling 519 Introduction to Literacy Principles (offered in even-numbered years at SIL-UND).

Ling 520: Community-based Literacy
3 semester hours (planned for 2009)
Corequisites: Ling 521, 522 and 530.
Foundational issues of community-based literacy in multilingual societies. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: (a) explain in detail the inter-relationship between illiteracy, poverty, politics, and environment; (b) identify and describe the major movements and trends in literacy; (c) explain and teach the principles of adult education; (d) identify the major "players" in the field of adult literacy; (e) explain the major issues involved in developing a multilingual educational program for school children.

Ling 521: Literacy Program Planning and Management
3 semester hours (planned for 2009)
Corequisites: Ling 520, 522 and Ling 530.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: (a) explain, with examples, change processes in traditional communities; (b) design a complete literacy program; (c) explain alternative strategies for designing and managing a literacy program; (d) evaluate the need for external funding in a literacy program; (e) do detailed costing for a literacy program; (f) write a funding proposal for a literacy program; and (g) use the LinguaLinks Electronic Performance Support system and access relevant Internet resources.

Ling 522: Materials and Methods in Literacy
3 semester hours (planned for 2009)
Corequisites: Ling 520, 521 and Ling 530.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: (a) explain some of the major theories of reading and the history of their evolution; (b) explain, describe, and critique various instructional strategies for teaching reading; (c) design instructional materials from any one of five different strategies for teaching reading; (d) design teacher training protocols for literacy programs; (e) design testing protocols for reading materials; (f) develop instructional materials for transitional literacy programs; (g) organize and direct a writersí workshop; (h) explain the need for post-literacy materials and how to develop these.

Ling 530:Introduction to Writing Systems
1 semester hour *2008* (also planned for 2009)
This course is an optional but recommended component in the Literacy Megacourse. It functions somewhat independently from Ling 520/521/522, because it also includes many students who are not taking the Megacourse. (See more details above.) Ling 530 assumes a background in basic linguistics, especially Sociolinguistics and Phonology. Not everyone who takes the Literacy Megacourse has this background; such students should discuss with the instructor whether it is better for them to take Ling 530 for credit or to audit it.

Return to:
[Top of course descriptions]
[Index to SIL-UND catalog]
[SIL-UND home page]

Signed Language Courses (Package S)

A growing specialty of SIL-UND is the linguistics of signed languages; most years, at least one course is offered in this area. These courses do not teach any one particular signed language, but rather the basic characteristics and organizing principles shared by all signed languages as well as tools used to analyze them. Not all courses are offered every year, but plans for 2007 include most of the courses listed below.

Deaf students are especially invited to take these courses, as well as any other courses listed in this catalog that may interest them. ASL-English interpretation is available on request; some class sessions are conducted in ASL with interpretation to English.

Some of these courses require proficiency in a natural signed language which is equivalent to at least one year of college-level study. Knowledge of artificial signing systems such as Signing Exact English is not adequate. Prior background in linguistics is required to take certain courses. See the prerequisites for each course below for details; some of these prerequisites may be waived in special circumstances, e.g. if a student's primary language is a natural signed language.

If you are interested in these courses, please contact the SIL-UND director to discuss your particular needs and interests and how well they fit with what we have to offer, and to be kept informed about plans as they develop.

Ling 507: Special Topics: Sociolinguistics of Signed Languages
2 semester hours
The sociolinguistic situation of Deaf communities around the world, influence of educational systems and methods on signed languages, language contact phenomena, language attitudes, impact of sociolinguistic factors on research and language development programs, modifications of language survey techniques for signed languages (especially wordlist comparisons), distribution of literature and information in non-literate contexts, issues related to writing signed languages. (If not available in a particular year, students should take Ling 470 Introduction to Sociolinguistics instead.)

Ling 455: Special Topics: Phonetics of Signed Languages
2 semester hours *2008*
The basic manual and non-manual elements that are used in the production of natural signed languages; terminology for describing them precisely; notational systems for writing signed languages, especially for use in research; extensive practice in recognizing, mimicking, transcribing, and reproducing signs in a variety of signed languages.

Ling 507: Special Topics: Phonology of Signed Languages
2 semester hours *2008*
Prerequisites: a) Ling 455 (Phonetics of Signed Languages), and b) proficiency in a natural signed language equivalent to at least one year of college-level study.
How the basic phonetic elements in a natural signed language function together in the phonological system of the language. Practice in the application of various theoretical frameworks to problem solving and analysis of specific signed languages, and in applying theoretical concepts of general phonology to signed language research.

Ling 507: Special Topics: Morphosyntax of Signed Languages
2 semester hours *2008*
Prerequisites: a) Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology), and b) proficiency in a natural signed language equivalent to at least one year of college-level study.
Why signed languages are properly considered natural languages. Morphological and syntactic properties that are characteristic of signed languages and which distinguish them from spoken languages, with briefer mention of semantics and discourse. Specific issues important to the analysis of signed languages, including: glossing conventions, grammaticalization of space, deixis and agreement, lexical structure, lexicalized borrowing, verb classes, aspect, classifiers, iconicity and metaphor, nonmanuals, and information structure.

Ling 507: Special Topics: Technological Tools for Signed Language Research
1 semester hour *2008*
Prerequisites: Proficiency in a natural signed language equivalent to at least one year of college-level study.
Specialized hardware and software tools useful in field work with signed languages, including tools for creating and manipulating digital images and video, media annotation tools for text analysis, software implementations of writing and notational systems, and online bibliographic resources.

Ling 506: Field Methods
3 semester hours *2008*
One or more sections of Field Methods (see above) will use a signed language other than ASL as a field language. The normal requirements for the course will be adapted to prepare students to do field research in signed languages, with special emphasis on the use of video technology, adaptations of research methodology to accommodate sociolinguistic constraints common in Deaf communities, and analysis of structures unique to signed languages. Prerequisites and corequisites are modified from the standard course as follows:
Special prerequisites for signed language sections: Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology) and Ling 455 (SL Phonetics), or permission of the instructor; proficiency in a natural signed language equivalent to at least one year of college-level study.
Special corequisites for signed language sections: SL Phonology, SL Morphosyntax, SL Technological tools.

Return to:
[Top of course descriptions]
[Index to SIL-UND catalog]
[SIL-UND home page]

Individualized Study (Primarily for M.A. Students)

The following courses are primarily intended for students pursuing an M.A. in linguistics at the University of North Dakota. They are offered during all regular university sessions, not just the summers. (During the fall and spring, instructors and students usually stay in contact through email.)

Ling 590: Directed Studies
1-4 semester hours *every year*
Prerequisite: Advanced linguistic study and consent of instructor.
Supervised individual study, usually consisting of a reading list and short written assignments intended to help the student integrate each reading into a growing understanding of a topic. May be repeated when the topic is different; up to 8 semester hours of Directed Studies may be used as part of a graduate degree at UND, subject to the approval of a student's advisory committee.

Ling 594: Research
1-6 semester hours *every year*
Prerequisite: Advanced linguistic study and consent of instructor.
Supervised original research, often used in preparation for writing a thesis. May be repeated and used as part of a graduate degree at UND subject to the approval of a student's advisory committee.

Ling 996: Continuing Enrollment
1-6 semester hours *every year*
Prerequisite: Advanced linguistic study and consent of advisor or Director of Graduate Studies.
Used by M.A. students so they can be officially enrolled when studying on campus or otherwise drawing on SIL or UND resources but not taking other courses.

Ling 998: Thesis
4 semester hours *every year*
Prerequisite: Advanced linguistic study and consent of instructor.
Supervised original research and writing of an M.A. thesis. (Taken only once during a student's M.A. program; work on the thesis is not necessarily confined to the term in which a student officially registers for this course.)

Return to:
[Top of course descriptions]
[Index to SIL-UND catalog]
[SIL-UND home page]