Linguistics
The focus of the Linguistics program does not lie alone in the acquisition of language skills, but rather in learning to analyze linguistic phenomena with a view toward making significant generalizations about the nature of language.
Students majoring in Linguistics build their programs around a specific area of emphasis. In consultation with the faculty, students design a program of study tailored to the individual interests and goals. Typical areas of emphasis include philology (the historical and comparative study of ancient languages), psycholinguistics, and language acquisition.
31
Credits
A typical program for this major requires the following:
- LING1201 General Linguistics (3 credits)
- LING2432 Syntax and Semantics (3 credits)
- LING2433 Phonetics and Phonology (3 credits)
- LING3103 Language and Language Types (3 credits) or LING3104 Formalism and Functionalism in Linguistics (3 credits)
- 3 credits in the linguistic structure of a specific language or language family
- 15 additional credits drawn from departmental offerings
- LING4391 AB Comprehensive: Linguistics (1 credit)
It is advantageous for students of Linguistics to acquire foreign language competence beyond the level that satisfies the foreign language requirement of the Morrissey College. In addition, we encourage—but do not require—Linguistics majors to study one or more other modern or ancient languages and to gain experience with a non-Indo-European language such as Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese or Korean, all of which are taught in the Department of Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies.
18
Credits
This departmental minor requires a minimum of six approved one-semester courses (18 credits)
- Two of the following three courses:
- LING1201 General Linguistics (3 credits)
- LING2432 Syntax and Semantics (3 credits)
- LING2433 Phonetics and Phonology (3 credits)
- 3 credits in the linguistic structure of a specific language or language family
- 9 additional credits drawn from departmental Linguistics offerings