Education

Linguistics for Teachers

An introduction to basic concepts in linguistics and sociolinguistics, including phonology, lexicon, and grammar; language contact, variation, and prescriptivism; language acquisition and linguistic experience of bilingual and second-language communities and individuals. The relation of linguistic diversity to ethnicity, class, age, gender, sexual orientation, etc. is explored throughout the class. Candidates develop an understanding and appreciation of the linguistic equality of all languages and dialects, and begin to develop strategies for mediating between that equality and the social inequalities of language variation. (EDCE 2600C)

Phonology of English and Other Languages for Teachers

This course includes advanced study of the phonology of English and contrasts with other languages, as well as writing systems, challenges for language learners, and pedagogical strategies. We also consider social aspects of language use including the problematic notion of standard varieties as well as issues of power in language use. Each student chooses a named language, in addition to English, to study in depth. (EDCE 6700C)

Grammar of English and Other Languages for Teachers

This course focuses on the advanced study of the grammar of English, with strategies for application in bilingual and new-language classrooms. The course considers various conceptions of grammar, and the problematic notion of standard varieties and issues of power in language use. Each student chooses a named language, in addition to English, to study in depth. (EDCE 6800C)

Language, Mind and Society

An introduction to basic concepts in linguistics, including phonology, lexicon, and grammar, with special consideration to the sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic aspects of bilingualism and biliteracy. The latter include language variation, language contact, and first- and new or additional-language acquisition. Linguistic diversity, both between and within languages, is a theme throughout the course. The course provides a framework for language education. (EDCE 25600)

Research Seminar in Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

Candidates complete a capstone master’s project guided by a research question related to their teaching practices that extends their understanding and application of content in the program. Candidates review the literature, create and conduct a small-scale study, and present their findings and implications. (EDCE 2205I)

Functionalist Approaches to Linguistic Theory

Functionalist approaches to linguistic theory have been thriving in recent decades and contributing to theoretical understandings of language and its use. This course introduces theories such as Cognitive Grammar, Construction Grammar, Columbia School, and Emergent Grammar, all of which view language as an instrument of communication and social interaction, and incorporate in their analyses conceptual organization and other facets of human psychology. In these frameworks, languages are viewed as semiotic systems where not only lexical items, but also grammatical words, affixes, constructions, and word order patterns are carriers of meaning. By way of contrast, the writings of Chomsky and other dissenters from the centrality of functionalism are also discussed. (CUNY Graduate Center course, LING 79500)