Professor: Jacobson Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 6 Total Enrollment: 6 Class Composition: Froshs: 2 Sophs: 4 Jrs: 0 Srs: 0 Concs: 0 Non-Concs: 6 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 2.50 Course Average: 2.24

'Meaning and Thought' examines the effect of language on one's thought and perception of reality. It explores and critiques advanced linguistic theories such as the Sapir/Whorf hypothesis, so it is beneficial to have a previous general understanding of the topic or a desire to pursue the field, as the course is geared toward concentrators.

Although Professor Jacobson used a very conversational style during the seminars, this method lacked structure at times, making discussion difficult to follow. Many opportunities arose for student participation and questioning, allowing for intelligent dissent. She made the best of the specificity of the topic.

Most students spent three to four hours per week working on course readings. Students read several papers a week, described as 'convoluted and boring.' The course also required six three to five page papers, and an optional fifteen to twenty page paper. According to respondents, specific topics for the papers and more constructive feedback would have been helpful. No exams were given, which helped offset the tedious reading material.

Many students lost interest in the course and their efforts diminished because the very specific subject matter required a love of linguistics. Others lacked desire to decipher the dense readings that were presented as a basis of the debates and discussion. Reading Period was observed, as there was no final exam.

Some attributed the faults of the course to its being newly offered, and claimed that it has definite potential. Others were not so optimistic, claiming that they entered fascinated by the material and left bored by it. Those who were truly devoted to linguistics were glad that they had the opportunity to delve so deeply.

View CG/0008 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.