INTD/ARBC 0111 The Unity and Diversity of Human Language (Spring)
In this course we will introduce the main issues in the study of linguistic diversity: how languages differ and how they are the same (language families, language contact, and language universals), diversity in geographical and social dialects, "language emergence" of pidgins and creoles, "language death" and endangered languages, linguistic history and language change, as well as the major theoretical approaches to the study of linguistic diversity. Linguistic data will be drawn from a wide variety of languages, and linguistic phenomena will relate primarily to aspects of word formation (morphology) and sentence structure (syntax). 3 hrs. lect/disc. SOC (U. Soltan)
INTD/ARBC 0112 Introduction to Linguistics (Not offered 2008-09)
This is an introductory course in linguistics taught in English. The main topics will include the nature of human language as distinct from other communication systems; the subsystems of linguistic knowledge, i.e., sound patterns (phonology), word-formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics); language and the brain; language acquisition; language use in context; geographical and social dialects; and historical development of language and language change. 3 hrs. lect./disc.
INTD 0206 Mathematics and Science as Art in Contemporary Theatre (Fall)
In Tom Stoppard’s Jumpers, philosopher George Moore employs a list of mathematical arguments to make his case for the existence of a moral God. George’s confused allusions to the paradoxes of Zeno and Bertrand Russell form an interesting backdrop to a host of moral questions that include an astronaut stranded on the moon, the installation of an atheist as Archbishop of Canterbury and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the dead body of George’s debating partner concealed in the next room. This is just one example of how acclaimed playwrights such as Tom Stoppard, Rinne Groff, Michael Frayn, and others have effectively explored mathematical and scientific themes for artistic purposes. Through readings and exercises, and by conducting labs and staging scenes, this class will gain some first-hand insight into the complementary ways in which science and art aim to seek out their respective truths. LIT DED (S. Abbott, C. Faraone)
INTD 0250 Greek Drama in Performance (Not offered 2008-09)
In this interdisciplinary course we will study selected Greek tragedies and comedies with special attention to the dimension of performance. In addition to viewing the plays staged in their original setting, the theater of Dionysus in 5th century BCE Athens, we will also consider stagings of these tragic and comic dramas for modern audiences all over the world. The course will combine lecture, discussions, screenings, writing assingments, and performance work. Texts will include Aeschylus' Oresteia, Sophocles' Ajax, Euripides' Hecuba and Helen, and Aristophanes' Birds and Frogs. 3 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc. LIT ART EUR