This is a sample syllabus for a discussion section for an introduction to linguistics course (LING 101). The course was designed by Dr. Charlotte Vaughn at the University of Oregon, and the discussion section syllabus was collaborative with Dr. Vaughn and the other TA for the course for the Fall 2017 term. The primary components emphasized in discussion section is active learning opportunities and targeted support for student assignments.

Week	What to emphasize based on topics covered in class this week	Collect	Activity + Materials
1	What it means to “know” a language (implicit knowledge/rules); comptence & performance, linguistic equality; design features of language		Go over Assignment 1 in detail. Practice transcribing a piece of conversation. A-prefixing exercise. Practice with transcription, A-prefixing exercise from Wolfram & Schilling
2	IPA practice & phonetics/phonology. If time: Descriptivism/prescriptivism; differences b/w speech & writing (themes from Assignment 1)	Assignment 1	IPA practice (+ give web resources); review of prescriptive vs. descriptive (pizza!); minimal pair practice. Discussion of short video clip about prescriptive language.
3	Morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics (focusing on morphology & syntax)		Morphology worksheets from T. Payne’s book.
4	Midterm review! Also language acquisition, language processing	Assignment 2	Midterm Review: Do handout where students have to come up with their own questions for the midterm & answer classmates’ questions.
5	Sociolinguistics		Overview of style and discussion of Key & Peel code switching skit
6	Multilingualism, SLA, lang policy. Also signed lang + deaf culture		Official language debate. Background reading given as part of quiz. There are a few slides to go over + a sign in sheet.
7	Language diversity, contact, endangerment	Assignment 3	More on languages of the world. Play Great Language Game. Do more morphology/phonology exercises? Something on writing systems (Manuel has worksheet)?
8	Language change, historical linguistics, slang. Taboo words & euphemism.		Prep for Assignment 4: low stakes practice with feedback on slang terms. Euphamesim treadmill (clip from nightly show).
9			No section: Thanksgiving
10	Final exam review!	Assignment 4	Debrief on language & thought. Exam review session: jeopardy style