Minor Advising and Declaring
The requirements below apply to students declaring in the 2023-2024 catalog year. Students follow the major and minor requirements found in the catalog in effect at the time they declared their major or minor. (To find your catalog year, check your unofficial transcript on Web4U or check the appropriate line in Degree Works.) Note that when catalog year requirements differ and new requirements are in place or courses are no longer offered, you will determine a plan of study in consultation with your advisor. University Catalog
Linguistics Minor
25 credits
Introduction
Linguistics, the science of language, is an interdisciplinary field which relates to the diversity of the cultures and languages of the world. It is an integral part of most serious pursuits dealing with aspects of language study and analysis. As the boundaries of the world change, an understanding of individual languages and cultures becomes increasingly important. Communication in this complex society requires knowledge of the workings of languages, as well as their interrelationship with their respective cultures.
Why Consider a Linguistics Minor?
Students who minor in linguistics will significantly advance their appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity, will acquire valuable intellectual skills, including analytic reasoning and argumentation, and will learn how to study language scientifically.
Language and Cognition Minor
25 credits
(Can be combined with a Linguistics, BA under advisement)
Introduction
The Language and Cognition Minor focuses on the interplay between language and the neural processes supporting it. Language and Cognition Minors will learn to use scientific thinking and research skills to generate hypotheses and test predictions about communication and language use, ranging from intelligent systems, including the human mind, to language processing, perception, and action, with applications for information technology and the study of artificial intelligence.
Why Consider a Language and Cognition Minor?
Students who minor in Language and Cognition will expand and enhance their knowledge and understanding of both Linguistics and Cognitive Science. Moreover, they will acquire technical skills necessary for graduate studies in Computational Linguistics, Linguistics, and Cognitive Science/Neuroscience in addition to employment in various fields within research and technology.
Linguistics and Education Minor
25 credits
(Can be combined with a Linguistics, BA under advisement)
Introduction
The scientific study of language, linguistics, has long been recognized as important within education. An understanding of how language works, of the ways in which language and culture are intertwined, and of the ways language is and has been used to discriminate, to transform, and to empower are critical components for educators.
Why Consider a Linguistics and Education Minor?
Students will significantly advance their understanding of linguistic and cultural diversity, of the powers of language to discriminate and to empower, and of the ways in which these fields of Linguistics and Education inform each other. Such study is critical not just for teachers of and about language, but for educators of all subject areas. More broadly, however, this set of courses provides all students with insights into ways in which the education system shapes social perceptions of languages and of language users, ways that affect language policy.
How to Declare
Fill out section 1 of the Student Academic Declaration & Change Form and indicate which minor you are declaring. Enter the email address Linguistics@wwu.edu at the bottom, then click "submit."
An advisor will work with you through email to complete the appropriate checklist
- Linguistics Minor Checklist
- Language and Cognition Minor Checklist
- Linguistics and Education Minor Checklist
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
Graduation Procedure for Minor Evaluations
Graduation paperwork is due to the Registrar's Office at least two quarters in advance of graduation. Due dates can be found on the Degree Application.
Your graduation paperwork will include:
- Degree Application, completed by you.
- Major Evaluation, completed by your major department.
- Minor Evaluation, completed by Sara Helms.
Please contact Sara Helms, helmss@wwu.edu, for a completed Minor Evaluation. Include your W# with your request. Sara will approve your request in Degree Works, pending completion of remaining requirements displayed in Degree Works.