Syllabus

1. Overview of NLP and NLP applications
2. Grammars and Rules
3. Statistical Approaches
4. Tools
5. Specific Topics

Who can take this course?
Students in this course tend to have a wide range of interests, skills, and experience in NLP-related areas. But we all share an interest in natural language, and a curiosity about ways computers can work with it. Most students will have at least some experience with linguistics and/or programming, although it isn't required. The website includes pointers to some basic references, and of course, there are many on the web.

Course Objectives

1. Explore characteristics of language and language usage, and their implications for NLP and NLP applications.
2. Consider the role of and opportunities for NLP applications in the world of information.
3. Study tools, techniques, and theories used in NLP applications.
4. Survey major applications of natural language processing. Important aspects of each application include the goals of the task, the materials and methods used, the state of the art, and how to evaluate progress in the field.
5. Provide an opportunity for individual investigations in chosen topics.

1. Participation
   • I will always be prepared for class, and will start class on time. If unforeseeable circumstances prevent this for any reason, I will try to notify you beforehand if at all possible.
   • I expect the same of you: be prepared for class, be ready to start class on time, and let me know if you know you won't be there. If you must miss a class session unexpectedly, get in contact with me ASAP. While I do not necessarily take attendance, I pay attention to attendance.
   • You are encouraged and expected to be an active participant in class, including full class discussions, small group discussions and exercises, your topic study group and the class list. Similarly, if you choose to do your paper or project with a partner, you are expected to be an active participant.
   • Reading assignments should be done before the class for which they are assigned so you can ask questions and participate in discussions.
   • If there is something you don't understand ask a question! If you don't want to ask during class, post it to the class list, come to my office hours, or contact me by email.
   • If you find an interesting or useful tool, collection, demo, website, article, etc., please send me a link or reference so I can add it to the Resources page.
   • Participation counts for a percentage of your final grade, but there are many ways to participate. Quality of contributions is more important than sheer quantity.
2. Assignments
   • Assignments must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon on the day they are due.
   • A late assignment will be penalized 5% for every day it is late. If you have a real problem submitting an assignment on time, please talk to me before the due date.
   • The assignment descriptions will say how each assignment should be submitted (e.g., as an email attachment, as a webpage, etc.).
   • Pay attention to detail! Proofreading and clarity of presentation are important for information professionals.
   • Start working on assignments well in advance of the due date. It is usually a good idea to give yourself time to let your work sit for a bit, then come back to review it. I take a dim view of questions that show you are starting an assignment only 24 hours before it is due. Besides, what if I were unavailable for consultation?
3. Giving and receiving help.
   • If you or your group are having difficulty with an assignment or some aspect of your project, please come and see me!
   • The Honor Code, which prohibits giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the completion of assignments, is in effect in this class. The Instrument of Student Judicial Governance gives examples of actions that constitute academic dishonesty. There are some specific guidelines for this class.
     • You may give and receive assistance regarding the use of hardware and software.
     • I encourage you to discuss issues raised in class or by the readings with each other. You may also ask your classmates for clarification of class notes.
     • Individual assignments are to be done individually. You may consult the course readings, your notes, and even other print or web sources. (Keep in mind, however, that what you find in other sources may not be consistent with what I want you to do.) You may not consult your classmates or other people; all questions should be addressed to me.
     • Group assignments are to be done as a team, with the group taking responsibility for all products. Work with your topic study group should be distributed equitably among group members. I expect group members to discuss, consult, and even debate with each other about the project throughout the term.
     • The final paper or project may be done in pairs, with both members taking responsibility for the products. The scope of the paper or project should be proportionally greater than one done by an individual. Work should be distributed equitably between members.
4. Electronic devices in class.
   • You do not need to bring your laptop to every class. I will remind you in advance for the classes for which you do need your laptop.
   • If you plan to use your laptop to take notes, be aware that I sometimes sketch diagrams on the board. You may want to bring paper and a writing utensil so you can copy them quickly.
   • Laptops, PDAs, and similar devices should be used only for class purposes. Unrelated activities such as reading email, IMing, surfing the web, or playing games are distracting and discourteous.
   • Please remember to turn off your cellphone before class starts.

I will send out a test message or two the first week of class. I will use the list to send out announcements. You will use the list to share your ideas and interests for the Topic Group, ask questions of the class in general, share helpful hints about software, etc. To post to the list, you can send email to inls512_001@listerv.unc.edu, or go to the list's web page.

Journal entries, 20%
Topic Group, 20%
Tools assignment, 15%
Paper or Project, 25%
Poster Presentation, 10%
Participation, 10%

All assignments will be graded on the following scale (graduate/undergraduate):

• 95 - 100% H / A
• 90 - 94% P+ / A-
• 85 - 89% P / B+, B, B-
• 80 - 84% P- / C+, C
• 70 - 79% L / C-, D
• 69% and below F