Linguistics
专业详情
Linguistics is the scientific study of language. The major in Linguistics offers a program of study leading toward an understanding of phonological, grammatical, and semantic structure and of various approaches to descriptive, experimental, and historical linguistics. Majors may concentrate on theoretical, experimental, or computational linguistics, on various aspects of comparative grammar, or on a particular family of languages. Interested students should consult the director of undergraduate studies (DUS).
Courses for Nonmajors and Majors
Students with no previous background in linguistics are encouraged to approach the field by taking a 100-level course.
Requirements of the Major
The major requires twelve term courses in linguistics and related areas, distributed as follows:
- Breadth requirement (four courses). All majors must take a course in each of the core areas of phonology (LING 232) and syntax (LING 253). In addition, at least one course must be taken in any two of the six remaining core areas of linguistics: phonetics, morphology, semantics/pragmatics, computational linguistics, language and mind/brain, and historical linguistics.
- Depth requirement (two courses). In one of the eight core areas of linguistics, students must take two additional courses beyond the introductory level.
- Electives (four courses). Four additional courses relating to linguistics are required, at least one of which must be at the 200 level or above. Electives may be chosen from courses offered by the Linguistics department or, with approval of the DUS, from related courses in programs such as Anthropology, Classics, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, English, Philosophy, Psychology, or foreign languages. No more than two foreign language courses can count toward the major without specific DUS approval.
- Research requirement (one course). LING 490, Research Methods in Linguistics, is required and is usually taken in the fall term of the senior year.
Credit/D/Fail Courses taken Credit/D/Fail, Pass/Fail, or any scale other than the standard letter-grade scale, may not be counted toward the requirements of the major without specific DUS approval.
Senior Requirement
Senior requirement (one course). Students attend a research colloquium and write a senior essay in LING 491 during the spring term of the senior year.
Advising
Combined B.A./M.A. degree program Exceptionally able and well-prepared students may complete a course of study leading to the simultaneous award of the B.A. and M.A. degrees after eight terms of enrollment. See Academic Regulations, section L, Special Academic Arrangements, “Simultaneous Award of the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.” Interested students should consult the DUS prior to the sixth term of enrollment for specific requirements in Linguistics.
