Handbook for Undergraduate Concentrators in Linguistics
Linguistics Concentration Requirements
Concentrators in Linguistics can choose among three tracks:
(i) Linguistics;
(ii) Linguistics with Related Field; and
(iii) Linguistics with Mind, Brain, and Behavior (MBB).
The three tracks have the same tutorial program and share a core set of required courses that emphasize argumentation and methodology in syntax, phonology, and historical linguistics. The Linguistics with MBB track has an additional set of three required core courses that emphasize argumentation and methodology in mind, brain and behavioral science. Students who choose the straight Linguistics track meet the remainder of the non-tutorial course requirements by taking a combination of more advanced linguistics courses within the Department and linguistics-related offerings in other departments. Examples of linguistics-related offerings in other departments include courses on the linguistic structure of particular languages (e.g. History of the German Language) and on the computational, philosophical, and psychological aspects of language (e.g. Psychology of Language). Students who choose the Linguistics with Related Field track combine courses in linguistics proper with linguistics-related courses in an approved second field such as Anthropology, Classics, Computer Science, or Psychology. Students who choose Linguistics with MBB meet the remainder of the non-tutorial course requirements by taking a combination of more advanced courses on linguistics or on mind, brain and behavior. Examples of MBB-related courses typically include courses offered by the Philosophy Department (e.g. Philosophy of Language), by the Psychology Department (e.g. Cognitive Neuropsychology), and by the Computer Science Department (e.g. Natural Language Processing).
Note that the Linguistics with Related Field and the Linguistics with MBB tracks are not the same as a joint concentration in Linguistics and another field. Joint concentrators have their study cards approved by both concentrations, and the second field may require additional courses beyond those needed for the Linguistics with Related Field or Linguistics with MBB tracks. Such students graduate with a degree in Linguistics and the other field (e.g., Linguistics and Mathematics; Linguistics and Anthropology). Students in the Linguistics with Related Field or with MBB tracks, on the other hand, have their study plans approved only in Linguistics, and graduate with a degree in Linguistics alone. Students in the Linguistics with MBB track receive a certificate from the MBB program as well. For additional information about the requirements for joint concentrations, refer to the section of this handbook entitled “Joint Concentrators."
REQUIREMENTS
For students entering the College in Fall 2006 or later. Other students should refer to the Handbook for Students from the year in which they declared their concentration.
Linguistics Track
Basic Requirements: 12 half-courses
Requirements for Honors Eligibility: 14 half-courses
1. Required non-tutorial courses (9 half-courses)
a. Linguistics 110: Introduction to Linguistics
or
Social Analysis 34: Knowledge of Language
b. Linguistics 112a: Introduction to Syntactic Theory
c. Linguistics 115a: Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology
d. One of the following:
i. Linguistics 114: Introduction to Morphology
ii. Linguistics 116a: Introduction to Semantics
iii. Linguistics 117r: Linguistic Field Methods
e. Linguistics 120: Introduction to Historical Linguistics
or
Linguistics 122: Introduction to Indo-European
f. Four additional half-courses, at least one of which must be in linguistics. For the other three courses, any course in linguistics or in the Supplement to the Related Field Requirement (available upon request from the Department) is acceptable. Alternatives outside this domain must be approved by the Head Tutor.
2. Required Tutorials (Basic: 3 half-courses; for Honors eligibility: 5 half-courses):
a. Sophomore year: Linguistics 97r is required in the spring term and consists of two consecutive six-week small-group tutorials.
b. Junior year: Linguistics 98a (fall) consists of two consecutive six-week small-group tutorials. Linguistics 98b (spring) is a one-term individual tutorial with a faculty member (for Honors candidates), or two consecutive six-week small-group tutorials (for non-Honors candidates). The specific topics covered in group tutorials change from year to year. Students are free to choose the tutorials they find most interesting, though the Head Tutor may require a student to select a different tutorial if enrollments have exceeded a certain level. With respect to group tutorials, non-Honors candidates must take at least one tutorial in phonetics/phonology, one in syntax/semantics, and one in historical linguistics. Honors candidates must take a group tutorial in at least two of these fields.
c. Senior year: Linguistics 99, full course, required for Honors candidates. Linguistics 99 is a full course of individual tutorial with a faculty member and writing of the Linguistics thesis. Grade SAT/UNS.
3. Required Languages
a. Basic concentrators must demonstrate knowledge of one foreign language by the end of junior year. This can be done in the following ways:
b. Honors candidates must demonstrate a knowledge of an additional foreign language by the end of the junior year, either by the appropriate coursework (as described above), or by a placement exam.
Note: Native speakers of a foreign language are normally not allowed to take courses of basic instruction in that language. Any such courses taken by a native speaker will not be counted toward the departmental language or Related Field requirements.
4. Thesis:
a. Basic: Not required
b. Honors candidates: Required. During the fall term of the senior year, Honors candidates produce a thesis prospectus for approval by the Head Tutor. After completing the thesis, Honors candidates present the results of their research at a departmental colloquium during Reading Period of the spring term.
5. Other Information: Courses taken Pass/Fail may not be counted for concentration credit.
Linguistics with Related Field Track
Basic Requirements: 12 half-courses
Requirements for Honors Eligibility: 14 half-courses
1. Required non-tutorial courses (5 half-courses):
a. Linguistics 110: Introduction to Linguistics
or
Social Analysis 34: Knowledge of Language
b. Of the following three half-courses, Basic concentrators must take two half-courses, Honors concentrators must take all three:
i. Linguistics 112a: Introduction to Syntactic Theory
ii. Linguistics 115a: Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology
iii. Linguistics 120: Introduction to Historical Linguistics
or
Linguistics 122: Introduction to Indo-European
c. Basic concentrators take two additional half-courses in linguistics; Honors candidates take one additional course in linguistics.
2. Four half courses in a related field (for example, psychology, romance languages, computer science, etc.). These may include half-courses relevant for the scientific study of language, but not directly within its purview; for example, not only courses such as "Semitic Linguistics" are acceptable, but also courses such as "Complex Fournier Analysis" and "Philosophy of the Mind." Each program of study is approved on an individual basis by the Head Tutor.
3. Required Tutorials: Same as Linguistic Track
4. Required Languages: Same as Linguistic Track
5. Thesis: Same as Linguistic Track
6. Other Information:
a. Pass/Fail: Courses taken Pass/Fail may not be counted for concentration credit.
b. Students with an unusually strong background may be permitted to substitute another linguistics course for Linguistics 110.
Linguistics with Mind, Brain, and Behavior Track
14 half-courses
1. Required non-tutorial courses (9 half-courses):
a. Three required half-courses in linguistics:
i. Linguistics 110: Introduction to Linguistics
or
Social Analysis 34: Knowledge of Language
ii. Linguistics 112a: Introduction to Syntactic Theory
iii. Linguistics 115a: Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology
or
Linguistics 116a: Introduction to Semantics
b. Three required half-courses in MBB:
i. Science B-62 (or Science of Living Systems 20 or Science B-29 for classes of 2010)
ii. MCB 80: Neurobiology of Behavior
iii. An MBB Junior Seminar (see http://mbb.harvard.edu/undergrad/progjun_sem0910.php)
c. One additional half-course in linguistics
d. One additional half-course in MBB
e. One additional half-course in linguistics with an MBB focus. Examples of such courses include "Natural Language Processing," "Philosophy of Language," and "Cognitive Neuropsychology."
Note: No course can be counted doubly to satisfy requirements a–c.
The courses to be counted towards the MBB requirements must be approved by the Head Tutor. Approval is automatic if the course is chosen from those listed in the Requirements for the Linguistics with MBB Track (available upon request from the Department).
2. Required Tutorials: Same as Linguistics Requirements for Basic Concentrators
3. Required Languages: Same as Linguistics Requirements for Basic Concentrators
4. Thesis: Same as Linguistics Track
5. General Information: Same as Linguistics Track
6. Other Information:
a. Pass/Fail: Courses taken Pass/Fail may not be counted for concentration credit.
b. Students with an unusually strong background may be permitted to substitute another linguistics course for Linguistics 110.