This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of human languages. This is also referred to as Linguistics. The course answers fundamental questions such as these: How does language work? How does language shape our thoughts and behaviour? Do men and women speak differently? Can language be used to solve crimes? The study of human language is divided into several areas which include language sounds and patterns, the relationship between words, sentence structure and word meaning. This linguistic knowledge is then applied in various disciplines ranging from psychology and sociology to education and computer science.
-
Taken in: AY19/20 Sem 1
Grade: AQuiz 1 (20%): 92/100 [average: 71.71/100] {moderated 8%}
Quiz 2 (20%): 82/100 [average: 69.54/100] {moderated 10%}
Finals (60%)This is the most interesting elective I have ever taken, apart from forensic science, perhaps because I have an interest in English. This module is conducted by Dr. Ng (Bee). Lectures are not recorded (although I have feedback to the prof already, not sure if there will be a change). Thus, I would recommend that you attend all the lectures because looking at the slides only does not suffice. You are strongly encouraged to buy a textbook that cost $31(original price $100+) from NTU book shop. If you looking to get an A, the textbook is necessary. The module will teach you: Animal Communication, Child Language, Language & the Brain, Deaf Culture, What’s in a Word, Language & Gender, Word Meaning, Phonetics (Consonants & Vowels), Syntax, Language & Speakers. Some of the interesting things you will get to learn: Sign language, IPA symbols (e.g. language → /ˈlaÅ‹É¡wɪdÊ’/), what words are nouns/verbs/adjectives/auxiliary/etc, The different stages children go through when learning a language and the list goes on. There will be readings each week, some are short (4 pages) while some are long (22pages) as well as certain chapters from the textbook. There will be online quizzes on Blackboard that is not graded but you are encouraged to do so that you can get a sense of the type of questions that can be asked. The 2 midterms and finals will test content from all these areas: lecture (50%), videos (20%), readings (30%). The 1st half of the module is more interesting, Bee is very funny and sometimes even uses vulgar in her lecture for educational purposes. The content of 2nd half is slightly more “dry”, but not difficult to understand. In my opinion, the first half requires more memory work while the second half requires more understanding of the content and how to apply them.
The 2 midterms have the same format: 25 MCQs in 30 minutes. The final exam comprises 50 MCQs and a few short answer questions. If you are consistent in your studying and put in enough effort, this module is not difficult at all. I would recommend that you attend the consultation during the study week and ask the prof to go through the 2 midterms answers and understand why you got those questions wrong because the prof has the habit of re-using questions that many people answered wrongly in the midterms. She does not return back our midterm scripts and does not post the answer key on Blackboard and thus, you will only know your score but not which questions you got right/wrong.
This review was reposted with the kind permission of Awesome NTU CBC Student. Originally published at https://awesomentucbcstudent.blogspot.com/2019/12/ay1920-y2s1-review.html
July 18, 2021
