Linguistics is the scientific study of one of the most interesting human behaviors: language. It seeks to understand common principles behind all languages and asks questions regarding why human languages are the way they are. This course is an introduction to the main concepts and methods of analysis of linguistics, within the context of Spanish. The course introduces concepts and techniques of the analysis of sentence structure (syntax), sounds (phonology/phonetics), word formation (morphology), and meaning (semantics). It also looks at language as a social practice (sociolinguistics), at the vast variation that exists in dialects throughout the Spanish-speaking world (dialectology), and how to use language in context (pragmatics). Lastly, the course considers some key concepts in bilingualism, language contact, and second language acquisition. Students will practice data collection methods and linguistic analysis through an individual research project.