Building a Better Vocabulary

Overview

Improve your reading, writing, and speaking skills with this engaging course that will teach you new words and strengthen your confidence in your vocabulary. What is the difference between specious and spurious? Why are certain baby names suddenly everywhere? This course explores the science behind vocabulary enhancement and the nuances of language.

With 36 lectures, Professor Flanigan provides a research-based and enjoyable method for improving your vocabulary. You’ll learn about the etymology and morphology of words, the cognitive science behind committing new words to memory, and practical techniques for effective communication. By the end of the course, you’ll have a framework for continuing to build your vocabulary and mastering the nuances of familiar words.

Course Content

01: Five Principles for Learning Vocabulary

Explore the cognitive science behind effective vocabulary learning, including definition, context, connections, morphology, and semantic chunking. (33 min)

02: The Spelling-Meaning Connection

Unlock the English language’s morphological system and learn how to create a vocabulary notebook for effective recall. (31 min)

03: Words for Lying, Swindling, and Conniving

Begin building your vocabulary with words that describe deceitful behavior, including nuances between similar terms. (30 min)

04: Words That Express Annoyance and Disgust

Examine words that describe annoying behaviors and the differences between related terms. (32 min)

05: Fighting Words and Peaceful Words

Delve into vocabulary related to conflict and harmony, exploring key Latin roots. (31 min)

06: Going beyond Dictionary Meanings

Learn strategies to reinforce vocabulary knowledge, including graphic organizers and engaging games. (32 min)

07: Wicked Words

Discover words related to bad or evil actions, using the Latin prefix mal. (32 min)

08: Words for Beginnings and Endings

Explore vocabulary for inexperience and endings, distinguishing between different terms. (32 min)

09: Words Expressing Fear, Love, and Hatred

Investigate vocabulary related to emotions, including fear and love, using Greek and Latin roots. (32 min)

10: Words for the Everyday and the Elite

Gain vocabulary to describe both common and high-class situations, including synonyms for trite remarks. (30 min)

11: Words from Gods and Heroes

Link tales of Greek and Roman mythology to English vocabulary, exploring terms inspired by historical figures. (32 min)

12: Humble Words and Prideful Words

Explore words that describe humility and arrogance, including their etymological roots. (34 min)

13: High-Frequency Greek and Latin Roots

Spot Latin and Greek word parts in unfamiliar words to aid in understanding their definitions. (32 min)

14: Words Relating to Belief and Trust

Study vocabulary for trust and belief, examining words with roots in religious contexts. (33 min)

15: Words for the Way We Talk

Discover words that describe different speaking styles, including historical references. (34 min)

16: Words for Praise, Criticism, and Nonsense

Learn vocabulary for various forms of communication, including playful banter and criticism. (32 min)

17: Eponyms from Literature and History

Explore words inspired by historical figures and literature, enhancing your vocabulary with engaging stories. (32 min)

18: Thinking, Teaching, and Learning Words

Examine how your brain processes new words and the theories behind language acquisition. (31 min)

19: Words for the Diligent and the Lazy

Study vocabulary that describes work ethic, distinguishing between similar terms. (32 min)

20: Words That Break and Words That Join

Learn about vocabulary related to conflict and unity, using Latin roots to build understanding. (30 min)

21: Some High-Utility Greek and Latin Affixes

Add powerful affixes to your vocabulary and explore their meanings and applications. (29 min)

22: Cranky Words and Cool Words

Explore vocabulary that describes different personality traits and behaviors, using engaging examples. (30 min)

23: Words for Courage and Cowardice

Investigate vocabulary related to bravery and fear, examining the nuances of each term. (32 min)

24: Reviewing Vocabulary through Literature

Test your knowledge by relating learned words to characters in literature, enhancing retention. (33 min)

25: Words for Killing and Cutting

Delve into vocabulary related to violence and conflict, exploring their Latin roots. (31 min)

26: A Vocabulary Grab Bag

Engage with a variety of words that Professor Flanigan loves but couldn’t fit into other themes. (31 min)

27: Words for Words

Explore the concept of shibboleth and the differences between dialect, vernacular, and jargon. (30 min)

28: Specialty Words for Language

Learn about various linguistic categories and how they shape our understanding of language. (30 min)

29: Nasty Words and Nice Words

Examine the evolution of the word nice and explore vocabulary for both positive and negative traits. (30 min)

30: Words for the Really Big and the Very Small

Discover vocabulary that describes size, including terms for both extremes. (32 min)

31: Spelling as a Vocabulary Tool

Review the layers of information in the English spelling system and how they aid in vocabulary acquisition. (32 min)

32: A Medley of New Words

Explore new vocabulary through fun psycholinguistic experiments and engaging activities. (30 min)

33: Words English Borrowed and Never Returned

Investigate the phenomenon of borrowed words in English and their integration into the language. (30 min)

34: More Foreign Loan Words

Continue exploring borrowed words from various languages and their impact on English. (29 min)

35: Forgotten Words and Neologisms

Discover words that deserve revival and learn about new words entering the English language. (35 min)