For an undergraduate Introduction to Linguistics class, I provide students
several options for short research projects.  An option that I would like
to add this year is using a linguistic corpus such as Mark Davies' Corpus
of Contemporary American English.  The result of the students'
investigation will be a short 3-5 page paper, so I am not looking for a
long involved process.

Since I am one never to enjoy re-inventing the wheel, I'd appreciate
hearing ideas that any of you might have for structuring such a project
and aiming students in fruitful directions.  If I use your idea, I will
give credit in the assignment description.

Just a reminder, these are first- and second-year college students who
have probably never had a linguistics course before, but they're motivated
& intelligent and catch on pretty quickly.  Thanks.

R. Michael Medley, Ph.D.
Professor of English
Eastern Mennonite University
1200 Park Road   Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Ph: 540-432-4051 Fax: 540-432-4444
************************************
"Understanding and shared meaning, when it occurs, is a small miracle,
brought about by the leap of faith that we call 'communication across
cultures.'"  --Claire Kramsch

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