• The most complex ability and set of facts that any human being ever acquires is the implicit knowledge of a native language. This course examines the nature of languages, how the science of linguistics analyzes language data, and how language is integrated into human psychology and neurology.
• Everyone speaks at least one language and is interested in language at some level, e.g., we notice different accents; we make and understand jokes and play games that use languages in clever ways. Language is also a continual object of interest in social media and the entertainment industry. This course will use such materials as a source of data for analysis and, in some cases, to draw attention to myths about language, which many (if not most) people believe.
• The course is constructed as a series of lectures and in-class activities. Active student participation is required.