The course aims to introduce students to interdisciplinary questions on the ‘ontogenesis’ and the ‘phylogenesis’ of language.
Conflicting paradigms and approaches in the science of language and its related disciplines will be reviewed in order to sharpen the students' critical thinking skills.
Based on recent literature, the course covers topics such as the history of languages, language acquisition processes (from the perspective of nativism, cognitivism and interactionism), the relationship between language and thought, and the differences between the ‘language’ of humans and animals. The course also provides an overview of the history of linguistics and some sub-disciplines of linguistics.
Written and oral exam (the terms, conditions and evaluation criteria are described in a separate document that is available on WebCampus; they will be commented on by the professor).
A syllabus will be made available to students. Students have to purchase the following book:
Zimmer, Dieter E. 2007. So kommt der Mensch zur Sprache. München: Heyne.