Course Requirements
This class is a survey of the available research and thought in the area of Xenolinguistics. It will focus primarily on discussion and exploration of ideas. The class is offered at both the graduate (ENG580) and undergraduate (ENG480) levels. The requirements for the two options are slightly different so read carefully!
Requirements
- Daily Reaction papers: 50% of class grade
- After each reading, you will write a brief (one to two paragraph) reaction paper. These are due before each class. They should be based on the reading and on your musings stimulated by the readings and should include questions that come up in your mind as you consider the material. Informality is encouraged! Email them to me before you come to class.
They will be graded as follows:
- Great! 3 pts
- I thought about this a lot; had some insights! My brain is a-buzz!
- Good 2 pts
- Yes, I read the stuff; it was OK.
- OK 1 pt
- I skimmed it; whaddya want from me anyway
- Not OK 0 pts
- I didn't read it; I went to the beach instead
- Analysis of an 'alien' language: 15% of class grade
- Much energy has gone into the construction of various 'alien' languages. You'll be assigned one of these and will present it to the class, trying to answer the question 'just how alien is this?'
- Participation and attendance: 15% of class grade.
- A seminar of this sort gets its energy from its participants. That's a stuffy way of saying that I expect this to be huge fun; no party poopers allowed!! On the other hand, I expect you to consider the material seriously and give it your energy and attention.
- Final Paper: 20% of class grade
- For ENG480, this is a 7-10 page paper based primarily on the class material and your synthesis of it. For ENG580, you will be expected to do a little outside reading and write a 10-15 page paper on the topic of your choice.
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