This Flex class presents two puzzles each week, using linguistic data from real languages! If you like sitting down with a math or logic puzzle, and you're curious about other languages, you may like linguistic problem-solving. You won't find answers to these puzzles on the internet, and even Google Translate won't provide solutions. You'll need to exercise brainpower to recognize patterns and develop a strategy for solving each puzzle. 

After solving 8 different puzzles (each week has a Part 1 puzzle, followed by Part 2), learners will have gained exposure to the field of linguistics, and will be exposed to data from several different languages. However, no knowledge of other languages is required! 

CLASS FORMAT 
At the beginning of each week I will post a video along with a PDF file with Part 1 of a puzzle. The video introduces brief information about the language(s) in the puzzle, as well as some brief teaching about linguistic concepts. After watching the video, learners work through solving Part 1 (the video offers some strategies and tips).  After learners "crack the code," they send me their solution to Part 1, and I give them feedback. If the solution is not correct, or incomplete, learners have an opportunity to correct their answer. Next, I send part 2 of the puzzle to each learner to solve. Each week, both Part 1 and Part 2 should be solved and submitted in the Classroom before moving on to the next week's puzzle. 

HINTS & HELP 
Don't worry about getting stuck on a puzzle: I offer hints or guidance whenever a learner requests it. 

TIME REQUIRED 
Each puzzle is different, so it is hard to predict how long the solutions will require. Each week, it may take between 30 to 90 minutes to solve Parts 1 and 2. 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL 
These are "intermediate" level puzzles; they are not beginner-level puzzles. Learners who have not solved logic puzzles before may find these challenging or frustrating. Typically, learners who enjoy sitting down with a puzzle for longer than 10 minutes, and who don't mind being stumped at first, will find these puzzles interesting and challenging. 

HOW DOES A FLEX COURSE WORK?  
In Flex classes, there are no live or scheduled meetings on zoom. I post a new video lesson each week, then interact with students through discussion posts and written replies. Flex classes allow the learner to enter the Outschool Classroom on their own time. 
          A Flex class is great for:  learners who can work on their own, and learners who prefer a flexible schedule. Learners will need access to a camera to post photos of some solutions. (Some solutions may just be typed in a message.) 
          A Flex class may *not* be a good choice for: learners who want a live class with live video interaction, learners who find it difficult or frustrating to work independently, or learners who won't be able to access the Classroom to post their solutions and ask for help. 

POLICIES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 
The refund policy for this class is "Flexible" (the most flexible option on Outschool). You may withdraw and obtain a full refund until the day of the first class. Starting on that date, if you choose to withdraw, you will receive a partial refund based on how many weekly videos have been posted in the Classroom. 

Please enroll only if you are ready to solve puzzles on a week-by-week basis. This is an *interactive* course, and Part 1 solutions should be attempted each week before subsequent puzzles are released. (Of course, if learners cannot solve the puzzles, they can communicate with me about what part they have solved, or how they tried to solve it, and I will respond with solutions and explanations.) 

Please note that enrolling in the class does not mean you have "purchased the course materials" for you to use indefinitely. After the specified end date of the class, the "Classroom" and course materials will only remain accessible for an additional 30 days. 

By enrolling in this course, you agree to not post or distribute the puzzles or solutions elsewhere, as these are the intellectual property of the author (this includes photocopying, forwarding files and posting anywhere on the internet). Thank you!