LING 1600
Introduction to Linguistics
Language is one of the fundamental capacities of the human species, and there are many interesting and meaningful ways in which it can be studied. This course explores the core components of linguistic theory: speech sounds (phonetics and phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics). It also provides an overview of interdisciplinary ideas and research on how language is acquired and processed, its relation to the mind-brain and to society, and the question of whether the essential properties of language can be replicated outside the human mind (specifically, in chimpanzees or computer programs).
Instructors
Brett Hyde, Brett Kessler, Ian Hollenbaugh, Joachim Faust, Kristen Greer, Kristin Van Engen, Matthew Barros, Michael Getty, Nicholas Danis
Reviews
Prof Hyde really tries to get to know his students individually and foster connections. It's hard to get a hold of him outside of class and his office hour window is very short. The quizzes can be a little difficult, but a lot of the class is memorizable/based on the study guide. He speaks very quietly so make sure to sit near the front.
4/14/2026
Professor Hyde is incredible! He's incredibly excited about linguistics and always seems so happy to share his knowledge with the class. His dry humor makes class engaging and fun; I was always excited to come to class and learn.
3/15/2026
Hyde has been one of my favorite professors ever! He's hilarious, caring, and got me more excited about Linguistics than I could've imagined. He does speak very softly, so you'll need to pay close attention to what he says in class, but otherwise a very easy and interesting course!
12/9/2025
Dr. Danis has been one of my favorite professors here at WashU. He cares that everyone does well, and will go to lengths to help anyone. Definitely recommend!
5/8/2025
Professor Danis is a really genuine guy and is passionate about Linguistics. The class isn't bad at all because there are few homeworks and he gives the exams online. I am a computer science major and was able to excel in this class easily. I would definitely take this class for a more laid back class and something fun to learn.
5/5/2025
His lectures can get a bit boring on occasion, but he's overall a good lecturer and clearly knows what he's talking about. Homework is all very manageable and easy. Textbook is technically required, but admittedly I did not read a single word of it, the lectures were enough to understand the material.
4/29/2025
2 or less hrs/week
Danis is great and I really enjoyed his lectures. He is funny in a kind of nerdy way, but I loved it. The content is very interesting and has made me heavily consider getting a minor in linguistics. This is an easy A class. There’s very minimal work, and most of the grade is based on the 4 take-home exams and various homework assignments throughout the semester that are not too bad. Sometimes the exam questions can be worded in a confusing way, but overall a great class.
12/27/2024
2-4 hrs/week
danis is funny in a dry way and the content is actually pretty fascinating. tests are take-home and open-note, but questions can be tricky sometimes.
7/7/2024
Barros is great! Linguistics can get a little boring, but Barros really does a good job at keeping students engaged and making it easy to participate in class. This class can be an easy A, and you can skate by without doing much and not paying attention in class, but if you stay engaged, it's an amazing and interesting course!
6/5/2024
From talking to my classmates, a lot of us adored Dr. Barros, but really struggled to stay engaged with the material. Linguistics is vry boring :( I would recommend taking this class only if its in 50 min sessions, bc its very hard to stay engaged. Barros is WONDERFUL tho, and rly goes out of is way to accommodate students needs.
5/28/2024
2-4 hrs/week
Kind of a lot of busy work. I took it bc ppl said it was an easy A, but it involved a lot more work than I expected...
5/22/2024
2 or less hrs/week
Van Engen is really great. Exams are easy but a lot of memorization and there are periodic quizzes. Lectures are long but interesting at times. Definitely a solid option for easy SS/HUM elective
5/21/2024
His lectures were mind-numbingly boring. I like linguistics as a subject, but he makes it so tempting to skip. The grading is super easy and there is very little homework so I didn't learn much in his class. He made it so easy to skip that I didn't go at all between Thanksgiving and Christmas and got an A, I wish I had been forced to learn more.
5/19/2024
Prof Barros is fantastic, but I absolutely hated the class material. I found linguistics to be immensely dull and difficult. But the class was a fairly easy A. I do recommend showing up even if attendance is not mandatory, as he seemed really bummed near the end of the class when barely anyone showed up.
5/9/2024
Professor Barros loves his subject, and you can tell. Amazing guy, does his best to make lectures engaging. He covers both the standard concepts of linguistics and the societal implications, which is neat. Heads up: he vetoed attendance quizzes later on, so attendance may not be mandatory next sem, who knows. Overall awesome class.
5/3/2024
Workload is very manageable; all quizzes are take-home, and grading criteria are clearly communicated. Prof. Danis has a somewhat monotone lecture style, but his interest in linguistics is palpable. He is extremely accessible outside of class and grades assignments quickly and fairly. Very caring and professional instructor.
2/6/2024
I would highly recommend Professor Danis to anyone who is looking for an inspirational and funny intro class. Overall the course is pretty chill and the workload is not heavy. He will introduce you very quickly to this amazing world of linguistics. You can always ask questions and discuss anything related to linguistics with him at study hall.
12/28/2023
Super interesting class and Danis is a funny guy. He always made the 8AM entertaining by including jokes and photos of his cat on slideshows. Quizzes are take-home and open-note, but the questions can be pretty tricky. Keep up with lecture notes and ask questions during study halls, and you should be fine.
12/24/2023
Not a fan of Danis' teaching style or course structure. A bit too dry and too few grades. No study guides or quiz resources. Tests are purposefully worded so that the answers cannot be found in the textbook, although the tests are "open note." Interesting content, but you really have to read the textbook and take notes. Don't skip.
12/20/2023
His lectures are interesting and he's a really funny person himself. The class is pretty easy and you just need to show up to lectures and understand the study guides to do well. I will say that you have to take quizzes in person and the other prof gave take-home quizzes.
12/19/2023