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Linguistics: Degrees & Policies
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate: BA, Minor
Concentrations: Applied Linguistics; Language, Society, and Communication; Language and Cognition
Graduate: MA, PhD
Concentrations (MA): General Linguistics, Germanic Linguistics, Sociolinguistics and Contact Linguistics
Concentrations: Applied Linguistics; Language, Society, and Communication; Language and Cognition
Graduate: MA, PhD
Concentrations (MA): General Linguistics, Germanic Linguistics, Sociolinguistics and Contact Linguistics
Degree Options
The Applied Linguistics Track prepares students for careers in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), bilingual education, and language education; the program includes electives in education and a teaching internship. The BA can be a terminal degree, or can qualify the student for MA programs in applied linguistics/TESOL. Majors receive a thorough grounding in the structure of English and its function in American society, as well as practical teaching experience.
The Language, Society, and Communication Track prepares students for careers in the media, public relations, business, and industry. Majors explore the central role that language plays in society, social interaction, and communication. Required courses focus on basic issues of the structure and use of language. Electives focus on specific social and cultural contexts cross-linguistically, and on methods for studying the use of language in distinctive social contexts.
The Language and Cognition Track prepares students for careers and advanced training in linguistics, cognitive science, language education, child development, and adult language disorders. It is designed for students interested in exploring the interface between language structure and use and other human cognitive processes. Courses focus on the acquisition of language, language production and comprehension, the construction and conveyance of meaning, and the representation of language in the brain. Students may take this track as either an honors or non-honors program.
The honors programs prepare students for graduate study in linguistics, cognitive science, and fields related to cognitive science, such as psychology. Majors become proficient at all levels of linguistic analysis, and gain an overview of theoretical issues. The honors programs involve a more intensive examination of current theoretical issues in linguistics.
The special major in language and linguistics combines the study of a specific language with a deeper understanding of how language functions. The program is flexible and practical, and provides an excellent opportunity to develop students' research interests and professional plans by working directly with a faculty member of the student's choice. Students who choose this option may prepare for careers in TESOL, translation, or advanced language research.
Note: For specific information about this special major, contact the director of undergraduate studies.
Related major: Cognitive Science (see Social Sciences Interdisciplinary).
Honors Programs
The Department of Linguistics offers two honors programs - one in Language, Structure, and Theory, and one in Language and Cognition.
Language Structure and Theory: Required courses are LIN 205, LIN 207, LIN 415, LIN 432, and LIN 497 Honors Thesis (3-6 credit hours), and two or three additional upper-division courses in theoretical linguistics (24 credit hours total). Electives from department courses; may apply one course with approved linguistic content from another department (12 credit hours).
Language and Cognition: LIN 205, LIN 207, LIN 415, and LIN 432; two of LIN 320, LIN 342, LIN 355, LIN 417, LIN 455; two of LIN 356, LIN 413, LIN 421, LIN 438; LIN 497 Honors Thesis (3 credit hours) (27 credit hours total). Electives from department courses, and one course with language and cognition content from another department (9 credit hours).
The Language, Society, and Communication Track prepares students for careers in the media, public relations, business, and industry. Majors explore the central role that language plays in society, social interaction, and communication. Required courses focus on basic issues of the structure and use of language. Electives focus on specific social and cultural contexts cross-linguistically, and on methods for studying the use of language in distinctive social contexts.
The Language and Cognition Track prepares students for careers and advanced training in linguistics, cognitive science, language education, child development, and adult language disorders. It is designed for students interested in exploring the interface between language structure and use and other human cognitive processes. Courses focus on the acquisition of language, language production and comprehension, the construction and conveyance of meaning, and the representation of language in the brain. Students may take this track as either an honors or non-honors program.
The honors programs prepare students for graduate study in linguistics, cognitive science, and fields related to cognitive science, such as psychology. Majors become proficient at all levels of linguistic analysis, and gain an overview of theoretical issues. The honors programs involve a more intensive examination of current theoretical issues in linguistics.
The special major in language and linguistics combines the study of a specific language with a deeper understanding of how language functions. The program is flexible and practical, and provides an excellent opportunity to develop students' research interests and professional plans by working directly with a faculty member of the student's choice. Students who choose this option may prepare for careers in TESOL, translation, or advanced language research.
Note: For specific information about this special major, contact the director of undergraduate studies.
Related major: Cognitive Science (see Social Sciences Interdisciplinary).
Honors Programs
The Department of Linguistics offers two honors programs - one in Language, Structure, and Theory, and one in Language and Cognition.
Language Structure and Theory: Required courses are LIN 205, LIN 207, LIN 415, LIN 432, and LIN 497 Honors Thesis (3-6 credit hours), and two or three additional upper-division courses in theoretical linguistics (24 credit hours total). Electives from department courses; may apply one course with approved linguistic content from another department (12 credit hours).
Language and Cognition: LIN 205, LIN 207, LIN 415, and LIN 432; two of LIN 320, LIN 342, LIN 355, LIN 417, LIN 455; two of LIN 356, LIN 413, LIN 421, LIN 438; LIN 497 Honors Thesis (3 credit hours) (27 credit hours total). Electives from department courses, and one course with language and cognition content from another department (9 credit hours).
Linguistics - B.A.
Concentration in Applied Linguistics
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
Advising Notes
Students are required to apply to the director of undergraduate studies for acceptance into the major. Students may apply to the major at any time, and are encouraged to discuss their academic plans with the director as early as possible. Students who have not completed the prerequisite courses may be accepted into the major on a provisional basis, pending successful completion of LIN 205 and LIN 207.
Prerequisite Courses
LIN 205 Introduction to Linguistic Analysis
LIN 207 Language, Society, and the Individual
Required Courses
LIN 301 Structure of English: The Sound System
LIN 302 Structure of English: Grammar and Lexicon
One of the following: LIN 315 Language in Its Social Setting, LIN 355 Child Language Development, or LIN 356 An Introduction to Contemporary Theories of Metaphor
One of the following: LIN 405 Bilingualism and Language Contact, LIN 421 Linguistic Anthropology, or LIN 493 Sociolinguistics
LIN 496 Internship (6 credits)
Four LIN electives (may apply one course with approved linguistic content from another department)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 36
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 205, LIN 207
SECOND YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 301, LIN 302; one of the following: LIN 315, LIN 355, LIN 356
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two LIN elective courses
Spring LIN 405, LIN 421 or LIN 493
FOURTH YEAR
Fall One 300/400-level LIN elective course
Spring One 300/400-level LIN elective course
Fall and Spring LIN 496
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
Advising Notes
Students are required to apply to the director of undergraduate studies for acceptance into the major. Students may apply to the major at any time, and are encouraged to discuss their academic plans with the director as early as possible. Students who have not completed the prerequisite courses may be accepted into the major on a provisional basis, pending successful completion of LIN 205 and LIN 207.
Prerequisite Courses
LIN 205 Introduction to Linguistic Analysis
LIN 207 Language, Society, and the Individual
Required Courses
LIN 301 Structure of English: The Sound System
LIN 302 Structure of English: Grammar and Lexicon
One of the following: LIN 315 Language in Its Social Setting, LIN 355 Child Language Development, or LIN 356 An Introduction to Contemporary Theories of Metaphor
One of the following: LIN 405 Bilingualism and Language Contact, LIN 421 Linguistic Anthropology, or LIN 493 Sociolinguistics
LIN 496 Internship (6 credits)
Four LIN electives (may apply one course with approved linguistic content from another department)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 36
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 205, LIN 207
SECOND YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 301, LIN 302; one of the following: LIN 315, LIN 355, LIN 356
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two LIN elective courses
Spring LIN 405, LIN 421 or LIN 493
FOURTH YEAR
Fall One 300/400-level LIN elective course
Spring One 300/400-level LIN elective course
Fall and Spring LIN 496
Concentration in Language and Cognition (L&C)
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
Advising Notes
Students are required to apply to the director of undergraduate studies for acceptance into the major. Students may apply to the major at any time, and are encouraged to discuss their academic plans with the director as early as possible. Students who have not completed the prerequisite courses may be accepted into the major on a provisional basis, pending successful completion of LIN 205 and LIN 207.
Prerequisite Courses
LIN 205 Introduction to Linguistic Analysis
LIN 207 Language, Society, and the Individual
Required Courses
LIN 301 Structure of English: The Sound System
LIN 302 Structure of English: Grammar and Lexicon
Two of the following: LIN 320 Language and the Brain, LIN 355 Child Language Development, LIN 342 Introduction to Cognitive Science, LIN 417 Psycholinguistics, LIN 455 Language Acquisition
Two of the following: LIN 356 An Introduction to Contemporary Theories of Metaphor, LIN 413 Language and Cognition, LIN 421 Linguistic Anthropology, LIN 438 Semantics
Three LIN electives and one course with approved language and cognition content from another department.
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 36
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 205, LIN 207
SECOND YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 301, LIN 302, one L&C required course
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two L&C required courses (or one L&C course from Linguistics and one course with language and cognition content from another department)
Spring Two L&C required courses (or one L&C course from Linguistics and one course with language and cognition content from another department)
FOURTH YEAR
Fall Two LIN electives, or one elective and one L&C required course
Spring One LIN elective course
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
Advising Notes
Students are required to apply to the director of undergraduate studies for acceptance into the major. Students may apply to the major at any time, and are encouraged to discuss their academic plans with the director as early as possible. Students who have not completed the prerequisite courses may be accepted into the major on a provisional basis, pending successful completion of LIN 205 and LIN 207.
Prerequisite Courses
LIN 205 Introduction to Linguistic Analysis
LIN 207 Language, Society, and the Individual
Required Courses
LIN 301 Structure of English: The Sound System
LIN 302 Structure of English: Grammar and Lexicon
Two of the following: LIN 320 Language and the Brain, LIN 355 Child Language Development, LIN 342 Introduction to Cognitive Science, LIN 417 Psycholinguistics, LIN 455 Language Acquisition
Two of the following: LIN 356 An Introduction to Contemporary Theories of Metaphor, LIN 413 Language and Cognition, LIN 421 Linguistic Anthropology, LIN 438 Semantics
Three LIN electives and one course with approved language and cognition content from another department.
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 36
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 205, LIN 207
SECOND YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 301, LIN 302, one L&C required course
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two L&C required courses (or one L&C course from Linguistics and one course with language and cognition content from another department)
Spring Two L&C required courses (or one L&C course from Linguistics and one course with language and cognition content from another department)
FOURTH YEAR
Fall Two LIN electives, or one elective and one L&C required course
Spring One LIN elective course
Concentration in Language, Society, and Communication
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
Advising Notes
Students are required to apply to the director of undergraduate studies for acceptance into the major. Students may apply to the major at any time, and are encouraged to discuss their academic plans with the director as early as possible. Students who have not completed the prerequisite courses may be accepted into the major on a provisional basis, pending successful completion of LIN 205 and LIN 207.
Prerequisite Courses
LIN 205 Introduction to Linguistic Analysis
LIN 207 Language, Society, and the Individual
Required Courses
LIN 301 Structure of English: The Sound System
LIN 302 Structure of English: Grammar and Lexicon
Four additional LIN courses with sociolinguistics, communication, or cultural content
Four LIN electives (may apply one course with approved linguistic content from another department)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 36
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 205, LIN 207
SECOND YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 301, LIN 302, one LIN required course
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two LIN required/elective courses (one may be from another department)
Spring Two LIN required/elective courses
FOURTH YEAR
Fall Two 300/400-level LIN elective courses
Spring One 300/400-level LIN elective course
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
Advising Notes
Students are required to apply to the director of undergraduate studies for acceptance into the major. Students may apply to the major at any time, and are encouraged to discuss their academic plans with the director as early as possible. Students who have not completed the prerequisite courses may be accepted into the major on a provisional basis, pending successful completion of LIN 205 and LIN 207.
Prerequisite Courses
LIN 205 Introduction to Linguistic Analysis
LIN 207 Language, Society, and the Individual
Required Courses
LIN 301 Structure of English: The Sound System
LIN 302 Structure of English: Grammar and Lexicon
Four additional LIN courses with sociolinguistics, communication, or cultural content
Four LIN electives (may apply one course with approved linguistic content from another department)
Summary
Total required credit hours for the major: 36
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements for general education and remaining university requirements.
Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements
FIRST YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 205, LIN 207
SECOND YEAR
Fall or Spring LIN 301, LIN 302, one LIN required course
THIRD YEAR
Fall Two LIN required/elective courses (one may be from another department)
Spring Two LIN required/elective courses
FOURTH YEAR
Fall Two 300/400-level LIN elective courses
Spring One 300/400-level LIN elective course
Linguistics - Minor
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite Courses
Required Courses
Last updated: Wednesday, 23-Apr-2008 15:43:02 EDT