This course provides an introduction to the science of linguistics using examples primarily from present-day English. Students are expected to learn analytical skills to better understand how human languages work and how their sub-components (words, phrases, meaning, usage, and sounds) are related. We will approach these topics from the perspective of Generative Grammar. [Taught Fall 2012; Spring 2013; Fall 2013; Spring 2014; Fall 2014; Spring 2015; Fall 2015; Spring 2016; Fall 2016; Spring 2017]

The learning outcomes of this course are: (1) To understand and use core concepts and terms from the course to linguistically analyze contemporary advertising; (2) To construct and apply relevant models of linguistic interpretation for non-contemporary advertising; (3) To make informed predictions about the level of success of hypothetical advertising campaigns; (4) To design an effective and strategic linguistic component for an existing advertising campaign. [Taught Spring 2015; Spring 2016; Spring 2017.]

The learning outcomes of this class are: (1) to prepare an introduction which establishes a context for discussion and which effectively explains the issue or problem being addressed, (2) to locate appropriate secondary sources for academic research, (3) to clearly state an argumentative thesis, (4) to construct organized paragraphs that develop the controlling argument and supporting claims, (5) to analyze evidence to connect it to the controlling argument and its supporting claims, (6) to address the opposing viewpoint of the argument, (7) to use a style suitable to the writer's rhetorical situation and audience, [8] to control the conventions of Standard Edited Written English, (9) to document source material within the text of an essay and in the Works Cited, (10) to perform basic word processing and other computer operations to produce appropriate document design for academic purposes. [Taught Spring 2013; Fall 2013]

The learning outcomes of this course are: (1) To plan, process, and publish original visual journalism while developing a personal style and philosophy; (2) To understand the technical and ethical challenges of visual journalism; (3) To make informed decisions when creating visual narratives through composition, captioning, writing, and editing; (4) To accept and engage in the responsibilities of a news creator in the community, journalistic world, and online; (5) To become an intelligent and discriminating consumer and producer of media, including social media; (6) To begin to develop a set of marketable technical skills in using professional equipment and software for capturing, editing, and publishing visuals online and in print. [Taught Spring 2016; Spring 2017]