Programme overview

Main Subject

Linguistics

Degree

Other

Study Level

Undergraduate

Linguistics is the study of language not so much a specific language, but of the system of language and the way in which humans communicate. Topics integral to linguistics include the physiology of language (the ways in which humans produce and perceive language), its physical properties (the nature of speech sounds), the roles that it plays in determining cultural and social categories, the relationship between language and thought, the underlying manner in which sentences are structured (syntax), the way language conveys meaning (semantics), and the manner in which other systems may imitate natural languages (such as artificial intelligence). Thus linguistics examines a broad range of phenomena from such disciplines as philosophy (especially logic, epistemology, and the philosophy of science), psychology (specifically cognitive science), anthropology, sociology, literary theory, neuroscience, computing, and both modern and ancient languages. Problems studied by linguists range from the history and relationship of languages to the nature of metaphor and the adequacy of artificial language to convey human thought. As is evident from this handful of examples, linguistics is both an independent discipline and an important area of specialization. Individuals who pursue a major in linguistics should take ten courses beyond the prerequisites, which are Linguistics 1 and a solid competence in a foreign language (this latter requirement may be met by taking two courses in a language beyond the first-year level). Linguistic majors are also urged to study a second language not closely related to the first. The ten courses for the major should include the following: 1. Linguistics 22, 2. Linguistics 20 or 21, 3. At least three additional courses in the 20s (Linguistics 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27), 4. At least two more courses in Linguistics, including one that satisfies the requirement for a culminating activity, which may be met in one of three ways: (a) completing a senior Honors thesis (Linguistics 87), (b) taking an advanced seminar in linguistics (Linguistics 80), (c) carrying out a one or two term independent study project (Linguistics 85). PLEASE NOTE: To apply for an independent study course, you must first contact a Linguistics faculty member. 5. Depending on the number of course taken under (b) or (c), up to four other courses, either from the Linguistics offerings or selected from the list below, in consultation with an adviser. Note that some of these courses are more suitable to those with an interest in formal linguistics, and others for those with an interest in natural languages or language and culture. Certain courses not listed here, such as advanced seminars in various departments, may also be counted toward the major with permission of the Chair: Anthropology 9, Computer Science 39, French 35, Mathematics 39, 69; Philosophy 6, 26, 32, 33, 34; Psychology 51 (if special topic is relevant to linguistics); Russian 62; Spanish 40. LINGUISTICS Learning Outcomes - Students who complete a major in Linguistics: Grasp the complexity of language as a communication system shaped by cognitive, biological, cultural, and social factors. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts, theories, and methodologies used by linguists in qualitative and quantitative analyses of linguistic structure, and patterns of language use. Demonstrate understanding of processes of language change and variation, the role of language in reflecting and constructing social identities, and the distinctive properties of human language. Are able to collect, organize and analyze linguistic data from diverse languages, to form hypotheses about language structure/use and to test those hypotheses against new data.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Linguistics

Degree

Other

Study Level

Undergraduate

Linguistics is the study of language not so much a specific language, but of the system of language and the way in which humans communicate. Topics integral to linguistics include the physiology of language (the ways in which humans produce and perceive language), its physical properties (the nature of speech sounds), the roles that it plays in determining cultural and social categories, the relationship between language and thought, the underlying manner in which sentences are structured (syntax), the way language conveys meaning (semantics), and the manner in which other systems may imitate natural languages (such as artificial intelligence). Thus linguistics examines a broad range of phenomena from such disciplines as philosophy (especially logic, epistemology, and the philosophy of science), psychology (specifically cognitive science), anthropology, sociology, literary theory, neuroscience, computing, and both modern and ancient languages. Problems studied by linguists range from the history and relationship of languages to the nature of metaphor and the adequacy of artificial language to convey human thought. As is evident from this handful of examples, linguistics is both an independent discipline and an important area of specialization. Individuals who pursue a major in linguistics should take ten courses beyond the prerequisites, which are Linguistics 1 and a solid competence in a foreign language (this latter requirement may be met by taking two courses in a language beyond the first-year level). Linguistic majors are also urged to study a second language not closely related to the first. The ten courses for the major should include the following: 1. Linguistics 22, 2. Linguistics 20 or 21, 3. At least three additional courses in the 20s (Linguistics 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27), 4. At least two more courses in Linguistics, including one that satisfies the requirement for a culminating activity, which may be met in one of three ways: (a) completing a senior Honors thesis (Linguistics 87), (b) taking an advanced seminar in linguistics (Linguistics 80), (c) carrying out a one or two term independent study project (Linguistics 85). PLEASE NOTE: To apply for an independent study course, you must first contact a Linguistics faculty member. 5. Depending on the number of course taken under (b) or (c), up to four other courses, either from the Linguistics offerings or selected from the list below, in consultation with an adviser. Note that some of these courses are more suitable to those with an interest in formal linguistics, and others for those with an interest in natural languages or language and culture. Certain courses not listed here, such as advanced seminars in various departments, may also be counted toward the major with permission of the Chair: Anthropology 9, Computer Science 39, French 35, Mathematics 39, 69; Philosophy 6, 26, 32, 33, 34; Psychology 51 (if special topic is relevant to linguistics); Russian 62; Spanish 40. LINGUISTICS Learning Outcomes - Students who complete a major in Linguistics: Grasp the complexity of language as a communication system shaped by cognitive, biological, cultural, and social factors. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts, theories, and methodologies used by linguists in qualitative and quantitative analyses of linguistic structure, and patterns of language use. Demonstrate understanding of processes of language change and variation, the role of language in reflecting and constructing social identities, and the distinctive properties of human language. Are able to collect, organize and analyze linguistic data from diverse languages, to form hypotheses about language structure/use and to test those hypotheses against new data.

Admission Requirements

IELTS

7+

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics

48 monthsProgramme duration

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Programme overview

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