LinguisticsMajor

This major is designed to introduce students to fundamental aspects of the study of human language, emphasizing how an interdisciplinary approach to language better informs a global understanding of language use, structure, acquisition, variation, and change. Specifically the program aims to show how structural, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches to the study of language compare, contrast, and complement.

The major is designed so that students first acquire a solid introductory base in the study of linguistics. They then must take a series of courses to ensure more intense study in (a) language and cognition, (b) language structure and meaning, and (c) language, society, and culture. Following this exposure to different fields and approaches, students will take elective courses to deepen their understanding of one or more of the approaches to the study of language. Majors are also normally required to demonstrate competence at the intermediate level or above in a language other than English, but may petition to satisfy the Linguistics language requirement through other combinations. Completion of the major requires a minimum of a C average in the major. The S/U option may be exercised only in the elective component of the major, for a maximum of four credit hours. A maximum combined total of four hours of courses at the 490-499 level (Directed Study, Directed Research, Honors) may be applied toward the major. Courses completed in approved Linguistics study abroad programs may also be used to fulfill major requirements (with approval of the program director or designated faculty adviser).

Course Requirements

• 3 core courses: LING-101, 201 and 401
• 4 breadth courses:
  • 2 Structural: LING-210, 212, or 214
  • 1 Sociocultural: LING-333, 340, 341, 342, 350, occasional others
  • 1 Cognitive: LING-309, 316, or 317
• 3 electives: any 3+-credit LING courses (incl. breadth courses) except LING151
• 2 language study courses:
  • either 2 HAL/IC courses in the same language at the 200-level or above
  • or 2 HAL/IC courses in 2 different languages at any level
  • or 1 HAL/IC course at any level and 1 LING course designated as ‘Language
    Study,’ including LING-151, 230, 232, 234, 242, 363, 430 (see Linguistics
    Program course list PDF for these designations each semester)
  • AP credit may be used to fulfill one HAL/IC course requirement, but then
    the student must take an additional LING elective
• At least 1 course taken for the major must be designated as ‘Research-Focused’
  (see Linguistics Program course list PDF for these designations each semester)

The S/U option may be exercised only in the elective component of the major, for a maximum of 4 credit
hours. A maximum of 4 credit hours at the 490-499 level may be counted toward the major. You can only
double-count two courses between a Linguistics major or minor and any other major or minor. Students
may not double-major in LING and PSYCLING, LING and SPANLING, or LING and QSS with a LING
concentration, nor may they combine a LING major with a LING minor.