THE FACULTY OF LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS

LINGUISTICS

Linguistics is the scientific study of language. Linguists study a great diversity of topics pertaining to language, including: the grammar, sound structure, and history of individual languages, and the patterns which apply universally to all languages; the role of language in society, both at the level of large groups and nations and in interpersonal interactions; the way language is learned by children and adults, and the way language is processed in the human mind; and applications of linguistic knowledge in language teaching, computer science, and other areas.

Linguistics naturally lends itself to interdisciplinary study, and majors may wish to pursue double majors or minors with such other programs as the individual language departments, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Philosophy, Psychology, or Sociology and Anthropology. Linguistics majors are encouraged to meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss their academic interests and career goals.

Linguistics majors are required to take Introduction to Language (LING-001) and four semester courses (LING-213, 214, 225, 226) covering basic linguistic theory and methods. Beyond these, students select major electives from the many linguistics courses offered each semester, with the advice of the faculty advisor.

Required Courses

General Education Courses

1 Introduction to Language (001)

1 Phonetics (213)

1 Phonology (214)

1 Syntax (225)

1 Morphology (226)

5 Linguistics Electives

Language Requirement

Linguistics majors must complete the College's language requirement, through coursework, placement tests, or native proficiency. In addition, majors must complete 12 credits of one or more foreign languages, ancient or modern. Courses must be about the structure of the language or taught in the language (e.g., literature, history, or culture courses taught in English do not count towards this requirement). Foreign language courses used to satisfy this requirement are allowed to count toward satisfying other major or minor requirements.

Linguistics Minor

Students following the Linguistics minor must take the following courses: Introduction to Language; two courses chosen from LING-213, 214, 225, 226 (Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, and Syntax); and three linguistics electives.

Five-Year Accelerated Bachelor/Master Degree Program

(See section on this topic in the Bulletin.)

Cognitive Science Minor

The Linguistics Department participates in the Minor in Cognitive Science. Majors may gain a minor in Cognitive Science by completing courses in another participating department (such as Computer Science, Psychology, or Philosophy), taking special seminars during junior and senior years, and writing a senior thesis. See Bulletin for information on the Cognitive Science minor.

(For course listings for Linguistics see http://explore.georgetown.edu/courses/)

Undergraduate Bulletin 2007-2008 Table of Contents
Copyright 2007, Georgetown University.