Homework Assignments on Michael Drout, Lectures 1 and 2

NOTE: Drout's short book is on our Canvas site. (It's also on the web -- see the link on our Home Page.)

These are two short but important lectures, so study each of them carefully.

In Lecture 1 study

In Lecture 2 make sure you understand the main contents: Sign, Signifier, Signified; Saussure's concepts of langue and parole; the "arbitrariness" issue; the interesting section on "language and evolution."

Write 300+ words:

1. 150+ words: Outline your answers to the two questions on page 12.

2. 150+ words: Do the same with the two questions on page 19.

Email to me. We will discuss these issues in class.