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Linguistics Major

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). Linguistics 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 two additional courses in the 20's (Linguistics 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27);
  4. At least two or more courses in Linguistics, including one that satisfies the requirement for a culminating activity, which may be met in one of three ways:
    1. Completing a senior Honors thesis (Linguistics 87)
    2. Taking an advanced seminar in linguistics (Linguistics 80)
    3. Carrying out a one or two term independent study project (Linguistics 85).
  5. Depending on the number of courses taken under (b) and (c), up to four other courses, 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 48; Spanish 40.

Last Updated: 2/1/12