Issues in the History of Linguistics 3301-JF2604
The course aims to introduce students to the history of linguistics with special reference to the Anglo-American tradition. Students will read, analyze and discuss selected texts representative of particular trends in linguistics. They will learn about the historical underpinnings of modern linguistic theories, such as structuralism or generative grammar. The discussion will concern contemporary approaches to language study (e.g. relativism, universalism, sociolinguistics, philosophy of language) from a historical perspective, including the elements of the Hindu tradition, ancient and medieval study of language, or the Cartesian tradition and its relation to Noam Chomsky’s linguistic revolution.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The student will be able to:
K_W02 discuss key terminology, well established methods and theories in linguistics in the past and at present within English studies
K_W03 describe methodology and recent developments in English linguistics with special consideration of the history of the discipline
K_W05 list and discuss the characteristics of English grammar, syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology and pragmatics on an advanced level
K_W07 explain principles of designing linguistic studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions and testing research hypotheses in relation to theoretical aspects of the history of linguistics
Abilities
The student is able to:
K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from the history of linguistics and theories of language analysis
K_U02 employ the methodology of linguistics within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law
K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem in the history of linguistics and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in linguistics
K_U11 design one’s own development
Social competences
The student is ready to:
K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests regarding the area of the history of linguistics
K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects and other activities undertaken at work, voluntary services, etc.
Assessment criteria
- active participation in class and discussion;
- knowledge of texts assigned for reading;
- assignment submission;
- final test.
Three absences are allowed.
Bibliography
Chomsky, N. 1968. Language and Mind. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (Chapters: 1-3)
Chomsky, N. 2000. New Horizons in the Study of Language and Mind. Cambridge University
Press. (selected fragments)
Danielewiczowa, M. 2018. Dosięgnąć przedmiotu,. Rzecz o Ferdynandzie de Sausurze. Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego. (selected fragments)
Keith, A. 2013. The Oxford Handbook of the History of Linguistics. Benjamins.
Labov, W. 1963. ‘The Social Motivation of a Sound Change’. Word 19:3. pp. 273-309.
Newmeyer, F. 1986. Linguistic theory in America. Emerald Group Publishing.
Robins, R. H. 1967. A Short History of Linguistics. Indiana University Press.
Sausurre, F. 2013. A Course in General Linguistics. Bloomsberry Publishing. (selected fragments)
Sapir, E. 1962. Culture, Language and Personality. University of California Press.
Seuren, P. 1999. Western Linguistics: an introduction. Blackwell.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: