ANTH 2400 Language and Culture

MW 4:00 - 5:15 Miao Jiang

MW 2:00-2:50 + obligatory discussion section Nathan Wendte

The ways in which humans use and evaluate language are deeply ingrained in who we are and how we see the world both individually and collectively. This course introduces students to the study of language, culture, and society. No prior knowledge is assumed—we will consider topics such as how linguists analyze language data, how anthropologists link language and thought, how language is performed and received, and how our identities are reflected in and altered by linguistic behavior. Come curious! Linguistics Elective. Satisfies the College Non-Western perspectives requirement. Fulfills Cognitive Science Linguistics Area requirement.

ANTH 2410 Sociolinguistics

TR 11:00-12:15

Daniel Lefkowitz

Reviews key findings in the study of language variation. Explores the use of language to express identity and social difference. No background in linguistics is presupposed. Linguistics Elective.

ANTH 3450/7450 Native American Languages

TR 12:30-1:45

Armik Mirzayan

Introduces the native languages of North America and the methods that linguists and anthropologists use to record and analyze them. Examines the use of grammars, texts and dictionaries of individual languages and affords insight into the diversity among the languages. Satisfies the College Non-Western perspectives requirement. Fulfills Structure requirement for Linguistics.

ANTH 2415 | Language in Human Evolution

ANTH 2450 | Language and Environment

TR 2:00-2:50 + obligatory discussion section

Nathan Wendte

In this course, students rethink assumptions about what "language" and "environment" are. Both depend on living systems to be rendered meaningful, and together we will wrestle with how these two ideas can be brought into relation and the implications associated with different frames of understanding. There are many perspectives on the issues raised in this course, and you will receive a broad introduction to that diversity. Fulfills an elective for the Linguistics BA

ANTH 3420/7430 Pidgins, Creoles, and Contact

TR 9:30 - 10:45

Nathan Wendte

The study of pidgins and creoles emerged as a subfield of linguistics in the latter half of the 20th century. Its ideas have been borrowed, notably by anthropologists, to analyze the increased diversity and fusion we confront in a globalizing world. Where did such ideas come from? What are their (un)intended consequences? This course will trace the epistemological development of Creole studies and consider its historical and contemporary impacts.Fulfills an elective for the Linguistics BA & MA

ANTH/MESA 2470 | Reflections of Exile: Jewish Languages and Their Communities

MW 2:00-3:15pm

Dan Lefkowitz

This course introduces students to the study of language-and-culture by looking at the unique histories, structures, and literatures of Jewish languages. We will focus on Yiddish, Ladino, Judeo Arabic, and Hebrew, seeing how they emerge and evolve to constitute Jewish community across dramatically varied places and times. We will look at a language as manifested in spoken dialects, literatures, films, and musical genres (including hip hop). No prior knowledge of these languages is required, nor is any prior background in Linguistics, Anthropology, or Jewish Studies assumed. Fulfills an elective for the Linguistics BA

ANTH 5468 Language Socialization

M 6-8:30

Lise Dobrin

There is more involved in learning a language than acquiring knowledge of vocabulary and structural features; one also becomes an appropriate and skillful user of language as one is socialized, through communicative encounters with others, into becoming a competent member of a speech community. This course explores the topic of language socialization to reveal how language use at every level can contribute to learners’ understandings of what speech is and how it functions. At the same time, communicative encounters shape learners’ understandings of who they are and how they should act or feel, thereby serving as a locus for the transmission of culture. Readings will be drawn from diverse settings and regions of the world. Special attention will be given to language shift and other situations of social change and cultural disjuncture, as well as to the socialization of adults into new communities of practice. Course work will involve reading with care, helping guide class discussion, contributing to a supportive group atmosphere, and writing a paper on an individual topic chosen in consultation with the instructor. Linguistics Elective.

ASL 3450 Comparative Linguistics: ASL and English

TR 3:30-4:45

Bruce Sofinski

Describes spoken English and ASL (American Sign Language) on five levels: phonological, morphological, lexical, syntactic, and discourse and compares/contrasts them using real-world examples. Describes major linguistic components and processes of English and ASL. Introduces basic theories regarding ASL structure. Emphasizes ASL's status as a natural language by comparing/contrasting similarities and unique differences between the two languages. Fulfills Structure requirement for Linguistics.

EDHS 4300 Psycholinguistics & Communication

TR 5:00-6:15

Filip Loncke

This course focuses on the psychological processes that underlie the acquisition and the use of language. There is an emphasis on the interaction between linguistic skills and other cognitive skills. Topics include learnability, microgenesis of speech, bilingualism and variation, and a psycholinguistic approach to breakdowns (i.e., language pathology). Linguistics Elective.

EDHS 4310 Exploring Linguistic Diversity

M 3:30-6:00

Filip Loncke

Students in this course will explore language variation within and between languages. The course will use the students’ personal experience and perceptions as a starting point to interpret and understand theories. The course will introduce central concepts such as language contact, language dominance, language policies, creolization, bilingualism, language diversification, language dispersal, dialect, idiolect, and sociolect. Most importantly the course will lead the students to identify and observe these dynamic linguistic forces in their own environment, in their communities, and in the wider world. The course will include a focus on policies that can influence linguistic variation. Linguistics Elective

EDIS 7840 Teaching English Learners: Theory, Policy, and Practice

TBA Online, Asynchronous

April Salerno

This course is designed to provide you with an overview to key issues related to the education of linguistic minorities (labeled "English Learners," or "ELs") in K-12 settings in the United States. We will explore second language acquisition theory, language policy, pedagogical approaches, and the practices of ELs and their teachers. Linguistics Elective

ENGL 5100 Introduction to Old English

TR 12:30-1:45

Stephen Hopkins

An introduction to the study of language relationships and linguistic structures.  Topics covered the basic elements of grammatical In this course (open to undergraduate and graduate students) we will learn to read the Old English language (roughly 500-1100 CE). To arrive at a sound reading knowledge, we will spend the first half of the semester internalizing the basics of Old English grammar and vocabulary, and will practice translating short bits of prose and poetry, from prose works like Bede's history, and later poetry such as the Exeter Book riddles, The Battle of Maldon, The Dream of the Rood, and excerpts from Beowulf. Along the way, we will also study Old English genres, contexts, and critical/theoretical approaches prevalent in the field, with an emphasis on the history of the book and writing technologies. Course work includes weekly translations, midterm and final exams, and a brief research presentation (~10 min) on a topic chosen by each student. Successful completion of this course is required for admission to ENGL 5110 Beowulf and Its Monstrous Manuscript in the Spring. Linguistics Elective

LING 2430 Languages of the World

TR 4:00-4:50 + obligatory discussion section

Armik Mirzayan

An introduction to the study of language relationships and linguistic structures.  Topics covered the basic elements of grammatical description; genetic, areal, and typological relationships among languages; a survey of the world's major language groupings and the notable structures and grammatical categories they exhibit; and the issue of language endangerment. Prerequisite: One year of a foreign language or permission of instructor. Linguistics Elective

LING 3101/5101 ESL Teaching Practicum: Language (1 credit)

F 3:00-3:50

Janay Crabtree

Through this course, students focus on teaching oral English as another language, while gaining experience in the practice of English-language teaching to international students, faculty, and staff at the University. This is an excellent opportunity to gain teaching experience under the supervision of an experienced mentor. For every 1 hour of credit, students must meet with an instructor for 5 classroom & practice 33 hours. (Three practicum courses together count for one linguistics elective)

LING 3102/5102 ESL Teaching Practicum: Culture (1 credit)

F 4:00-4:50

Janay Crabtree

Through this course, students focus on culture in ESL, while gaining experience in the practice of English-language teaching to international students, faculty, and staff at the University. This is an excellent opportunity to gain teaching experience under the supervision of an experienced mentor. For every 1 hour of credit, students must meet with an instructor for 5 classroom & practice 33 hours. (Three practicum courses together count for one linguistics elective)

LING 3103/5103 ESL Teaching Practicum: Writing (1 credit)

F 5:00-5:50

Janay Crabtree

Through this course, students focus on the topic of writing in an L2, while gaining experience in the practice of English-language teaching to international students, faculty, and staff at the University. This experience is an excellent opportunity to gain teaching experience under the supervision of an experienced mentor. (Three practicum courses together count for one linguistics elective)

LING 3400/7400 Structure of English

MW 1:00-1:50 + obligatory discussion section

Janay Crabtree

In this community engaged course, UVA students work online with Virginia high school students while learning about descriptive grammar and methods of reasoning about linguistic structure.  Students will analyze problem sets and data of world languages to compare and contrast to English language structures. This course covers units of sound and phonemic transcriptions, word building/morphology and inflectional forms, lexical categories, basic sentence types, common phrase and clause patterns, and syntactic transformations.  In exploring structures, students (in groups) will take one aspect of English and research a question for a presentation geared toward VA high-school students who may never have heard about linguistics.  These research explorations include structure of English phonology, morphology, and syntax, with a focus on structural analysis and use of evidence. Students must be available one Saturday in November to participate in a community-engaged activity with high school students as well as work in research groups and present as a group on that Saturday. This course fulfills the structure requirement for Linguistics majors and graduate students and the Ling 3400 requirement for the TESOL Certificate. Fulfills Structure requirement for Linguistics.

LING 3559/7559 CripLx: Cripping Linguistics (not yet listed in SIS but listing is coming soon for Fall 2025)

TR 3:30-4:55

Erin Moriarty

What is crip linguistics? In this course, we will explore critical disability studies and linguistics, engaging with methodology, race, queer scholarship and activism. With our reading and in-class activities, we will deconstruct normative languaging, modality chauvinism, compulsory literacy, and linguistic technoscience. Crip linguistics is a manifesto, method, anti-ableist and antiracist theorizing, and most of all, unexpected. Linguistics Elective.

LING 5410 Phonology

MW 2:00-3:15

Armik Mirzayan

An introduction to the theory and analysis of linguistic sound systems. Covers the essential units of speech sound that lexical and grammatical elements are composed of, how those units are organized at multiple levels of representation, and the principles governing the relation between levels. Fulfills Theory Requirement for Linguistics.

LING 7300 Psycholinguistics

TR 5:00-6:15

Filip Loncke

This course focuses on the psychological processes that underlie the acquisition and the use of language. There is an emphasis on the interaction between linguistic skills and other cognitive skills. Topics include learnability, microgenesis of speech, bilingualism and variation, and a psycholinguistic approach to breakdowns (i.e., language pathology). Linguistics Elective.

LNGS 2220 Black English / LNGS 7220 History and Structure of Black English

MW 8:30-9:45

Mark Elson

An examination of the structure, history, and sociolinguistics of the English spoken in the southeastern United States. Fulfills Structure requirement for Linguistics BA & MA

LNGS 3250/7010 Introduction to Linguistic Theory and Analysis

MWF 11:00-11:50

Mark Elson

Introduces sign systems, language as a sign system, and approaches to linguistics description. Emphasizes the application of descriptive techniques to data.

SPAN 3000 Phonetics: The Sounds of Spanish

TR 3:30-4:45

Joel Rini

An introduction to the sound system of both Peninsular & Latin Am Spanish. Class discussions focus on how the sounds of Spanish are produced from an articulatory point of view, and how these sounds are organized & represented in the linguistic competence of their speakers. When appropriate, comparisons will be made between Spanish & English or Spanish & other (Romance & non-Romance) languages. Course seeks to improve the student's pronunciation. Pre-requisites SPAN 2020 or equivalent (it can be taken simultaneously with SPAN 3010). Linguistics Elective.

SPAN 3200 Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics

MW 2:00-3:15

Lorena Albert Ferrando

This course provides an introduction to core areas of linguistic analysis using Spanish. Areas covered include sounds of Spanish (phonetics & phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), meaning of words, phrases, sentences, & larger chunks of discourse, also in social context (semantics & pragmatics), history of the Spanish language, regional & social variation (dialectology & sociolinguistics), & language acquisition. Pre-requisites SPAN 2020 or equivalent (it can be taken simultaneously with SPAN 3010). Linguistics Elective.

SPAN 4200 The Origin of Spanish and its Transformation

TR 2:00-3:15

Joel Rini

The main objectives of the course are: (1) to offer the student an introduction to the development of Spanish, focusing on the major changes from Latin to Spanish through the study of historical grammar; (2) to explain the irregularities of Modern Spanish grammar; (3) to facilitate the reading Old Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 3200 and 3010, or 3000 and 3010, or departmental placement. Instructor Consent required. Fulfills the Historical requirement for Linguistics majors.

SPAN 8210 Second Language Teaching Methods

W 3:30-6:00

Lorena Albert Ferrando

Covers modern teaching methodologies, trends in second language acquisition, and intercultural competence. Participants will shadow language instructors, observe, and engage in practical activities such as creating instructional materials, lesson planning, and assessment design. Also explores teaching methods for content courses, crafting Teaching Statements, and preparing students for various teaching contexts and their professional careers. Instructor Consent Required. Linguistics Elective. Fulfills requirement for Hispanic Linguistics Certificate.