Hello Christian, my SMC colleague, and everyone:
Although I wouldn't be covering transformational grammar as such in intro
psychology, I find it very useful to discuss the brain's apparent adaptation
for language learning in intro psych. Language presents one way to
demonstrate how a human brain is a far more complex and sophisticated piece
of machinery than a computer, which as of this writing still can't easily
switch from talker to talker when armed with that voice typing software. The
language material also has implications for how we teach foreign language,
and since many students go into education, I feel it's valuable to teach that
material.
Personally I would relish the chance to teach intro for 32 weeks. I could
easily stretch it out that long and I think most all of it could be made
useful and relevant. But what do I know, lowly, office-driving adjunct person
that I am - or, should I say - "permanent employment challenged" person.
Enjoy the weekend.
Nancy Melucci
Los Angeles Harbor College, SMC et al.
