Introduction to

Descriptive Linguistics
ENG3319.01 &03
SPRING 2015

Part 1: Course Information

Instructor Information
Instructor: Dr. Minhee Eom
Office: ARHU 241
Phone: 956-665-3424
E-mail: meom@utpa.edu
Office Hours: M 10:45am-11:45am, 2:25pm-3:30pm, W 2:25pm-4:25pm, or by appointment

Course Description
An introduction to the methods of linguistic science with emphasis on problem-solving techniques and
their application to specific problems

This is the introduction to the principles governing all language--linguistics--through description of one
language (mostly English). We will begin with an overview of the theories which are the basis for how
varying schools think about language, then consider the basic units of sound, meaning/form, sentences
and meaning/reality. Throughout the course we will consider subfields of linguistics, such as
psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics to understand how the theoretical concepts are
used in our daily experience.

Course Requirements
 Internet connection (DSL, LAN, or cable connection desirable)
 Access to Blackboard

Textbook
Fromkin, V., Rodman, R., & Hyams, N. (2009). An introduction to Language. The 9th Ed. (You can use
the 8th edition as well.)

Course Structure
This course will be delivered partially online through the course management system Blackboard. Some
of class times and/or parts of classes will be replaced with online lectures and/or online assignments.
When the class are to meet MWF, we have online meetings on Fridays. Check in-class and BB
announcements for updated schedules. It is important to note that the official assessments of which
results constitutes the final grade are administered in class. Online assessments are not part of the
exam/quiz grade unless it is announced in advance. It is often used to check the online attendance. If you
need technical assistance during the course or to report a problem with Blackboard you have to contact
the Center for Online Learning, Teaching & Technology at colthelp@utpa.edu or 956-665-2979 and/or
the IT helpdesk directly at 956-665-2020.

ENG3319 Syllabus, Spring 2015, Page 1 of 5

 Part 2: Course Objectives
English Department Student Learning Outcomes
The English Department SLO's as created by a departmental committee follow:

SLO 1—Students will articulate the historical, theoretical, cultural, and/or personal significance of
language and literature.
SLO 2— Students will analyze and interpret a variety of texts, using a range of theoretical approaches
and disciplinary modes of inquiry.
SLO 3— Students will demonstrate a broad and foundational knowledge of the traditions of American,
British, Ethnic, and/or World literatures by critically situating specific works of literature
within these traditions.
SLO 4— Students will write coherently and demonstrate a consistent use of the conventions of a variety
of genres, including, but not limited to, the academic essay.
SLO 5— Students will apply appropriate research methodologies to understand and/or illuminate specific
questions about language and literature.
SLO 6— Students will demonstrate information literacy through the use, analysis, and evaluation of
appropriate resources, including, but not limited to, those found in electronic databases and
websites.
SLO 7— Students in certification tracks will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of writing,
literature, reading, oral communication, media literacy, and English language arts pedagogy.

Course Goals and Objectives

The ultimate goal of this course is for you to understand how language works, to discover those principles
which are uniquely human and to learn principles of problem solving and analytical thought which will
serve you in whatever future endeavor you undertake whether it be law, medicine, education or
engineering!
 Students will learn the nature of human language that is unique and powerful. (SLO 1, 2)
 Students will explore the rule-governed properties of human language in word, sentence, and
sound formations. (SLO 1, 2)
 Students will learn to analyze the segments of words, the units of sentences, and the distinctive
features of sounds of English. (SLO 1, 2, 4)
 Students will learn a variety of rules of English language that allow speakers to create words; to
form sentences, to produce sound segments; to produce prosodic speech. (SLO 1, 2, 4)

Part 3: Grading Policy

Graded Course Activities
This course is very knowledge intensive. You are highly advised to review what you have learned as the
course progresses. You are earning the grade throughout the session, not at the end of it. Your final letter
grad will consist of the followings:

Exams: 60%
Quizzes: 25%
Attendance & Homework: 15%

Exams
Count 60% of your final grade. You are expected to take an in-class exam after major topics. There will
be four exams throughout the semester and each will count equally--15% apiece. These exams are

ENG3319 Syllabus, Spring 2015, Page 2 of 5

multiple choice, short answer essay, and problem solving. Refer to the tentative schedule for the exam
topics. Exams are given only in class. This requirement fulfills the English dept SLOs 1, 2 & 3.

Quizzes
Count 25% of your final grade. After each major topic, a quiz will be given for fundamental concepts and
rules of linguistics. There will be approximately five to six quizzes throughout the semester. Some are
delivered online and some in class. Refer to the tentative schedules for the topics. This requirement
addresses the English dept SLOs 1 & 3.

Attendance and Homework

Count 15% of the course grade. Attendance is highly important for this course. We will do a lot of group
problem solving activities and simply asking a question is an act of participation as it helps others learn.
Attendance is checked every time we meet in class as well as online. Missing a quarter of class times may
result in a failed grade.

Viewing Grades in Blackboard

The scores you receive for graded activities will be posted to the Blackboard Grade Book. You may
expect that the online grades are updated each time a grading activity has been complete—typically 5
business days following the completion of an activity. You will see a visual indication of new grades
posted on your Blackboard Learn home page under the link to this course.

Letter Grade Assignment

Final grades assigned for this course will be based on the sum of prorated averages of all the
requirements:

A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: below 59

Part 4: General Course Information

General Course Policy
 Important! Do not simply stop attending and assume that you will be dropped from this course. If
you wish to drop, you must contact me. Instructors cannot drop you anymore. IF you miss more than
30% of class times, you may receive an F at the end of the course.
 Any alteration made in class must be for the benefit of all--students and instructor. Late submissions
are not accepted as it would be unfair to the majority of students who do turn in their work as
scheduled.
 Extra credit opportunities may be available throughout the semester but only for the class as a whole,
not individually.
 Incompletes should be avoided at all costs. You will NOT be given an incomplete for late papers
unless for the reasons outlined in the university handbook.
 In class interruptions--many students find interruptions cause problems in their understanding and
note taking. Therefore, please turn off ALL cellular phones, beepers, alarms on watches, etc. Also,
children do not belong in university classes; it is cruel to them!

Mandatory Course Evaluation

ENG3319 Syllabus, Spring 2015, Page 3 of 5

Mandatory Course Evaluations period (Apr 15 – May 6): Students are required to complete an ONLINE
evaluation of this course, accessed through your UTPA account (https://my.utpa.edu/); you will be
contacted through email with further instructions. The evaluation window closes at 11:59 pm on May 6th,
the last day of Spring classes. Students who complete their evaluations by May 6th will have priority
access to their grades.

Regarding Student Academic Misconducts

Academic misconduct among students will not be tolerated. Episodes of student misconduct such as
plagiarism or cheating may result in grade reduction and/or other serious penalties. Examples of
plagiarizing or cheating include:
 Presenting someone else’s written or spoken words or ideas as your own;
 Using direct quotes with no quotation marks, paraphrasing without crediting the source or in
some other way suggesting someone else’s work is yours;
 Copying all or part of someone else’s exam, homework, etc.;
 Knowingly allowing another student to copy your work or to submit your work as his/her own;
 Misrepresenting your contribution in a group project;
 Referring to notes, texts, etc. during a closed book exam;

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Services office for a confidential
discussion of their individual needs for academic accommodation. It is the policy of the University of
Texas-Pan American to provide flexible and individualized accommodation to students with documented
disabilities that may affect their ability to fully participate in course activities or to meet course
requirements. To receive accommodation services, students must be registered with the Disability
Services office (DS), University Center #108, 665-7005 or disabilityservices@utpa.edu.

ENG3319 Syllabus, Spring 2015, Page 4 of 5

 Part 5: Topic Outline/Schedule
As this is a reduced seat course. We are meeting online every Friday throughout the semester. This
schedule is subject to change. Thus, make sure you follow the announcement in-class or online each week
for the update information.

Week 1 Introduction
 Syllabus
 Article “True language”
 In-class lectures
 Online practices/discussions (Fridays)

Week 2-5 Morphology

 Ch3 Morphology
 In-class lectures
 Online practices/discussions (Fridays)
 Homework
 Quizzes (in class)
 Exam 1 (in class)

Week 6-10 Syntax

 Ch4 syntax
 In-class lectures
 Online practices/discussions (Fridays)
 Homework
 Quizzes (in class)
 Exam 2 (in class)

Week 11-13 Phonetics

 Ch6 phonetics & Ch7 Phonology
 In-class lectures
 Online practices/discussions (Fridays)
 Homework
 Quizzes (in class)
 Exam 3 (in class)

Week 14 -16 Semantics

 Ch5 Semantics
 In-class lectures
 Online practices/discussions (Fridays)
 Homework
 Quizzes (in class)
 Exam 4 (in class)

Important Note: This syllabus, along with course assignments and due dates, are subject to change. It is
the student’s responsibility to check Blackboard for corrections or updates to the syllabus. Any changes
will be clearly noted in course announcement in Blackboard or through emails.

ENG3319 Syllabus, Spring 2015, Page 5 of 5