Fall 2022
How Language Works
ENGL 3371
Course description
Language touches every aspect of our lives. From reading the morning paper to decrypting secret codes, the subconscious knowledge of language is uniquely human. In this course we'll ask what it means to have a command of language—do animals have it? Infants?
By examining the structures of the world's languages, we will discover why linguists believe in a “universal grammar” in spite of the world's rich linguistic diversity. We'll also learn how to make the sounds of the world's languages—from French nasal vowels to the clicks of Africa's Bantu languages.
This course is suited to anyone interested in language, how the mind works, or the characteristics that make us uniquely human.
- Tues/Thurs 12:30pm–1:50pm
- Section 001: ENGL/PHIL 312C [map]
- Section D01: online via Zoom
- More information

Office hours
- Tues/Thurs 2:00pm–3:00pm
- Be sure to book an appointment to ensure a slot!
- F2F in ENGL/PHIL 312C [map] or online via Zoom

Upcoming teaching
Spring 2023
Principles of Language
ENGL 5335
Course description
Language touches every aspect of our lives. From reading the morning paper to decrypting secret codes, the subconscious knowledge of language is uniquely human. In this course we'll ask what it means to have a command of language—do animals have it? Infants? How can analysis of its structure help us understand literary or poetic works?
By examining the structures of the world's languages, we will discover why linguists believe in a “universal grammar” in spite of the world's rich linguistic diversity. We'll also learn how to make the sounds of the world's languages—from French nasal vowels to the clicks of Africa's Bantu languages.
This course is suited to anyone interested in language, literature, how the mind works, or the characteristics that make us uniquely human.
No prior linguistics knowledge is assumed or required.

Past teaching
Texas Tech University
Overview of all Texas Tech student evaluation scores: [CSV]
Representative student comments from all Texas Tech courses: [PDF]

Texas Tech English Building
Rutgers University
Linguistics courses
Overview of all Rutgers linguistics student evaluation scores: [PDF]
Other courses

Rutgers Linguistics Building
Brandeis University
Spring 2007. Peer Assistant to Henrietta Hung. Phonological Theory.
Usen Castle, Brandeis University