Courses

See ClassFinder to view the days, times, and openings for courses during the academic year.

LING 201

Introduction to Linguistic Science (5 credits, Social Sciences GUR)

Introduction to the scientific study of language and the various subfields of linguistics, including how language is acquired, how it varies across time and space, and how it is used in different social contexts.

LING 204

Language and Society (5 credits, Social Sciences GUR)

A thematic approach to the study of language use in society; topics might include language and social identity, dialect variation, language contact, endangered languages, language ideology and attitudes in education and the media.

LING 207

Language and Brain (5 credits, SCI GUR)

This course will address some of the fundamental topics underlying human language including (1) how different components of language are processed by and represented in our brains; (2) how language is acquired and processed throughout the life span; (3) the relationship between language and thought; (4) the effects of music and multilingualism on language networks; and (5) how neuroimaging and computational modeling techniques are used to examine the processing, representation, and acquisition of language

LING 302

Topics in Linguistics (5 credits,)

Topics in linguistics. Variable topics. Repeatable with different topics to a maximum of 10 credits, including original course, but only 5 credits can count towards major requirements.

LING 310

Introduction to Linguistic Analysis (5 credits)

Focused introduction to linguistic analysis in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics in English and other languages, in preparation for more in-depth courses in theory and analysis in the linguistics major.

LING 311

Phonetics and Phonology (5 credits)

Exploration of basic phonetic units and phonological patterns across languages and the theoretical principles proposed to explain them.

LING 321

Syntax (5 credits)

Exploration of basic syntactic structures and operations across languages and the theoretical principles proposed to explain them.

LING 331

Semantics and Pragmatics (5 credits)

Exploration of semantics and pragmatics across languages and the theoretical principles proposed to explain them.

LING 402

Topics in Linguistics (5 credits)

Advanced topics in linguistics. Repeatable with different topics up to 10 credits, including original course. Check with an advisor if you have questions about which 402 to take. If you plan to register for two 402 courses in the same quarter, you will need to go to the Registrar's Office and be manually signed up.

LING 411

Topics in Phonetics and Phonology (5 credits)

Advanced exploration of phonetic and/or phonological phenomena across languages. Repeatable with different topics up to 10 credits including original course. Building on knowledge from Ling 310, Introduction to Linguistic Analysis, and Ling 311 Phonetics and Phonology, this course continues exploration of phonetics and phonological theory, with a focus on investigation of languages other than English. Topics vary depending on instructor; sample course topics include Optimality Theory, Metrical Phonology, The Metrical Analysis of Poetry, Cognitive Phonology, Experimental Phonetics, and Morphophonology.

LING 421

Topics in Morphology and Syntax (5 credits)

Advanced exploration of morphological and/or syntactic phenomena across languages. Repeatable with different topics up to 10 credits including original course. Building on the knowledge from Ling 310, Introduction to Linguistic Analysis, and Ling 321 Syntax, this course continues exploration of topics in morphological and syntactic theory, with attention to languages other than English. Focus varies depending on instructor; sample course topics include: The Morphology and Syntax of Native American Languages, Polysynthetic Languages, Psycholinguistics and Syntax, Ellipsis, Question Formation, The Syntax of the Noun Phrase, Pidgins & Creoles.

LING 431

Topics in Semantics and Pragmatics (5 credits)

Advanced exploration of semantics and pragmatics across languages. Repeatable with different topics up to 10 credits including original course. Building on the knowledge from Ling 310, Introduction to Linguistic Analysis, this course continues exploration of topics in semantics and pragmatics, with attention to languages other than English. Focus varies depending on instructor; sample course topics include Grammaticalization, Formal Semantics, Lexical Semantics, The Semantics of Humor, Discourse Analysis, Speech Act Theory, Metaphors and Figurative Language, Politeness and Apology, among others.

Additional 300- and 400-Level Linguistics Electives

Under advisement, select courses from other departments can also count towards the linguistics major (15-25 credits possible.) Students must have the appropriate prerequisites. See the "Additional 300- and 400-Level Linguistics Electives" document for more detail.