"Understanding Linguistics: The Science of Language" Prof. John McWhorter (DVD) (36 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture /  6x DVD - The Great Courses)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the scientific study of human language, moving beyond simple grammar rules to explore the underlying "machinery" that allows us to speak and understand. It breaks language down into its core components: phonetics (the sounds of speech), morphology (how words are built), and syntax (the structural rules of sentences). By examining these layers, the course demonstrates that language is a complex, biologically-driven system common to all humans, rather than a mere set of social conventions.
 
The curriculum also delves into how languages evolve over centuries and how they differ across various cultures and social groups. It covers the psychological aspects of communication, such as how children naturally acquire their first language and how the brain processes complex linguistic data in real-time. The goal is to provide a "linguistic eye," allowing students to observe language as a dynamic and ever-changing scientific phenomenon rather than a rigid set of academic standards.