Linguistics courses
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Director of undergraduate studies: Raffaella Zanuttini, Rm. 209, 370 Temple St., 432-2452, raffaella.zanuttini@yale.edu
FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS
Professors Stephen Anderson, Robert Frank (Chair), Roberta Frank, Laurence Horn, Frank Keil, Zoltán Szabó, Raffaella Zanuttini
Associate Professors Ann Biersteker (Adjunct), Claire Bowern, Maria Piñango
Assistant Professors Ashwini Deo, Gaja Jarosz, Jelena Krivokapic
Lecturer Einar Mencl
Linguistics is the scientific study of language. The major in Linguistics offers a program of studies leading toward an understanding of phonological, grammatical, and semantic structure and of various approaches to descriptive, experimental, and historical linguistics. It also includes course work leading to proficiency in one or two foreign languages. Majors may concentrate on theoretical, experimental, or computational linguistics, on various aspects of comparative grammar, or on a particular family of languages. Interested students should consult the director of undergraduate studies.
The normal prerequisite for the major is LING 110 or 117 with a grade of B+ or better. This requirement may be waived by the director of undergraduate studies for students who have taken other linguistics courses. Fourteen additional term courses are required for the major, distributed as follows:
- Breadth requirement (four courses). All majors must take Introduction to Phonological Analysis (LING 232) and Syntax I (LING 253). In addition, at least one course must be taken in any two of the following areas: phonetics, morphology, semantics/pragmatics, computational linguistics, language and mind/brain, and historical linguistics.
- Depth requirement (two courses). In one of the eight core areas (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics/pragmatics, computational linguistics, language and mind/brain, and historical linguistics), students must take two additional courses beyond the introductory level.
- Language requirement (three courses). Three term courses (or the equivalent) in one or two foreign languages beyond the elementary level are required; courses designated L3 or higher are normally accepted. This requirement may be fulfilled in part in the freshman or sophomore years.
- Electives (three courses). Three additional courses relating to linguistics are required. Electives may be selected from Linguistics courses or from approved courses with substantial linguistic content in other departments (including foreign language courses). With the approval of the director of undergraduate studies, one course bearing a less direct relation to linguistics from another program (e.g., Anthropology, Classics, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, English, Philosophy, or Psychology) may be applied to this requirement if it is relevant to the student's program.
- Research requirement (two courses). Research Methods in Linguistics (LING 490) and the Senior Essay (LING 491) are required, and are usually taken in sequence during the senior year.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
Prerequisites LING 110, 117, or equivalent, with a grade of B+ or higher
Number of courses 14 term courses beyond prereq (incl senior req)
Specific courses required LING 232, 253, 490
Distribution of courses 1 course each in 2 of 6 core areas other than phonology and syntax; 2 courses beyond intro level in one of 8 core areas; 3 language courses at level L3 or higher; 3 electives
Senior requirement Senior essay (LING 491)
