CLSICS 161: Demystifying Language: English Vocabulary

Seventy-five per cent of English vocabulary derives from either Latin or Greek. This course provides students with a system and analytical tools to demystify the process of building their English vocabulary. Students are given an introduction to English word formation (morphology) and principles of semantic change, as well as to history of the English language, while mastering a large body of word elements based in Latin and Greek. The course builds general linguistic awareness while increasing students' English vocabulary and ability to understand unknown words at sight. Attention is given to academic, scientific and medical terminology.