The Linguistics Major
The prerequisite for a major in linguistics is the completion of LING 101 and either LING 301, 302, or 303. The major has its own language requirement, different from that of the College of Arts and Sciences, which should be completed as early as possible: major must complete the equivalent of two semesters of college-leve study of a language which is either non-European or non-Indo-European (language study undertaken to satisfy the College requirement can also count toward the major requirement if the language meets these conditions). With approval of the department's director of undergraduate studies, this requirement may be waived for students taking the cognitive studies concentration or a double-major. The minimum acceptable grade in courses counted toward the major is a C.
The other standard requirements for the linguistics major are as follows:
1)
- LING 301 (Introduction to Phonetics)
- LING 302 (Introduction to Phonology)
- LING 303 (Introduction to Syntax)
- LING 304 (Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics)
[one of which will already have been taken as a prerequisite to the major]
Note: LING 303 is the prerequisite to LING 304.
2) LING 314 (Historical Linguistics)
3) Three additional courses at the 300 or 400 level, of which two must be in general linguistics.
4) A course at or beyond the 300 level in the structure of a language, or LING 400 (Language Typology) or 300 (Field Methods for Undergraduates).
Some substitutions to these standard requirements are possible after consultation with your adviser and approval by the director of undergraduate studies.
Honors
Applications for honors should be made during the junior year. Candidates for admission must have a 3.0 (B) average overall and should have a 3.5 average in linguistics courses. In addition to the regular requirements of the major, the candidate for honors will complete an honors thesis and take a final oral examination in defense of it. The thesis is usually written during the senior year but may be begun in the second term of the junior year when the student's program so warrants. The oral examination will be conducted by the honors committee consisting of the thesis adviser and at least one other faculty member. Members of other departments may serve as additional members if the topic makes this advisable. Linguistics 493 and 494 may be taken in conjunction with thesis research and writing but are not required.
