A survey of the languages of the world from genetic, areal, and typological perspectives. Students learn about the geographic and demographic distribution of language families and language isolates, as well as about structural characteristics of languages, language families and language areas. Additional topics include language endangerment and the question of linguistic universals. Students work collaboratively on a project investigating a particular language family, giving in class presentations and writing up a final project report. Some prior knowledge of phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax is necessary. Prereq: ENGL 605/LING 605 or ENGL 405/LING 405 and permission of the instructor.