FREN 3080 - [Introduction to French Linguistics]

(crosslisted)
(also LING 3080) (KCM-AS) Satisfies Option 1.

Spring. 4 credits.

Prerequisite: FREN 2190 or CASE Q++ or permission of instructor. Next offered 2015-2016.

T. Alkire.

Linguistics is the study of human languages - how they are structured and how those structures are put to use. This course aims to introduce students to the fundamental sub-fields of linguistic analysis (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics) using French as the language of instruction, and to provide a complete examination of the French language at a level suitable for non-native speakers and non-linguists. Students will learn about both the linguistics of French (topics include: the phonemic status of mid vowels, the history of irregular plurals, the semantics of tense-aspect, the structure of the lexicon, the increasing divide between the spoken and written standards, French outside of France, et al.) and the linguistics of France (in other words, approaches that tend to view language as a semiotic system and to accord special importance to function). After taking this course, students will have a more sophisticated understanding of the linguistic structure of French, and an enhanced awareness of those areas where the system is unstable and in the process of change. They will be able to discuss, both orally and in writing, the synchronic structure of French from phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic perspectives.