Overview

Our courses aim to introduce students to linguistic analysis and actively engage them in it. They also expose students to the great diversity found in the languages of the world. An extensive foreign language background is not required or assumed. The department’s introductory courses presuppose no prior background in the field.  

Concentrators in Linguistics may choose among three tracks. The three tracks have the same tutorial program and share a core set of required courses that emphasize argumentation and methodology in phonology, syntax, semantics, and historical linguistics.

1. Linguistics

2. Linguistics with Related Field

3. Linguistics with Mind, Brain, and Behavior

Students who choose the straight Linguistics track meet the remainder of the non-tutorial course requirement 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).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 Linguistics with Related Field 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 Mind, Brain, and Behavior (MBB) meet the remainder of the non-tutorial course requirement 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 other field may require additional courses beyond those needed for the Linguistics with Related Field or Linguistics with MBB tracks. Such students graduate with a concentration 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 concentration in Linguistics alone. Students in the Linguistics with MBB track receive a certificate from the MBB program as well.

Please follow links in sidebar for additional information about requirements specific to each track within the Linguistics concentration.