Course focuses on the properties that all languages have in common and the way languages differ. As an introduction to the science of language, this course surveys the main branches of linguistics: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and sociolinguistics as they apply to language learning and teaching. However, no background in linguistics or any foreign language study is required or assumed in the course. A blended format will be used with face-to-face meetings for a number of sessions over an 8 week period and the remaining work done online. This is a required course for the Illinois State Board of Education ESL Teacher Approval.  * NOTE - Payment for TIDE/USF courses is a two-step process. The FIRST STEP is to register with TIDE and pay your registration fee. The SECOND STEP is to complete your registration with USF and pay the balance of your course fee. The link to the USF registration will be located in the “Additional Information” section of the TIDE registration form. You will NOT HAVE ACCESS to the course until you complete BOTH steps of this registration. It is requested that you complete both portions of the registration at least one month before the course start date.