Linguistics

Linguistics courses
Linguistics department home page

Director of undergraduate studies: Laurence Horn, Rm. 208, 370 Temple St., 432-2457, laurence.horn@yale.edu

FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS

Professors

Stephen Anderson (Chair), Carol Fowler (Adjunct), Roberta Frank, Laurence Horn, Stanley Insler, Frank Keil, Zoltán Szabó

Associate Professors

Ann Biersteker (Adjunct), Maria Piñango

Assistant Professors

Maria Babyonyshev, Ashwini Deo, Gaja Jarosz, Darya Kavitskaya, Jelena Krivokapic

Lecturers

Itamar Francez, Dianne Jonas, Fatma-Nihan Ketrez

Linguistics is the scientific study of language. The major in Linguistics is an interdisciplinary program of studies leading toward an understanding of phonological, grammatical, and semantic structure and of various approaches to descriptive, historical, and experimental linguistics. It also includes course work leading to proficiency in one or two foreign languages. Majors may concentrate on theoretical linguistics, on various aspects of comparative grammar, or on a particular family of languages. Interested students should consult the director of undergraduate studies.

Preparation for the Linguistics major during the freshman and sophomore years should include LING 110b or 117a with a grade of B+ or better, and the equivalent of one or two years' college study of at least one foreign language. Language-related courses in anthropology, computer science, mathematics, philosophy, psychology, and area studies programs are also considered valuable as preparation or as electives to accompany the major.

The major consists of fourteen term courses, as described below:

1. Six term courses in Linguistics above the level of 110b, including LING 490a, Research Methods in Linguistics, and LING 491b, The Senior Essay, the latter to be taken in the senior year. At least one course each in phonology and syntax must be taken by the end of the junior year. In addition, students must complete at least one course in two of the remaining core areas of phonetics, morphology, semantics/pragmatics, and historical linguistics.

2. Two years (or the equivalent) in one or two foreign languages and/or literatures beyond the elementary level; courses numbered 130 or higher in most language departments are normally accepted. A qualified student may fulfill this requirement in part as a freshman or sophomore. With permission from the director of undergraduate studies, an additional linguistics course may substitute for one term of the foreign language requirement.

3. Four term courses selected from: (a) additional course offerings in Linguistics; (b) another course in a foreign language or literature at the level of 140 or higher; (c) any other courses relevant to linguistics in Anthropology, Computer Science, Philosophy, Psychology, or other departments.

For the Class of 2010 and subsequent classes, courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.

Graduate seminars in linguistics are normally open to qualified undergraduates; consult the director of undergraduate studies for an annual listing of such seminars.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR

Prerequisites: LING 110b or 117a with appropriate grade; equivalent of 1 or 2 years' college study of 1 foreign lang

Number of courses: 14 term courses beyond LING 110b (incl senior req)

Specific course required: LING 490a

Distribution of courses: 6 term courses in Ling (incl 490a and 491b) above level of 110b in at least 4 of 6 categories, incl 1 each in syntax and phonology; 4 term courses in foreign lang and/or lit at level 130 or higher in 1 or 2 langs and/or lits or equivalent; 4 term courses from Ling, or foreign lang or lit at level 140 or higher, or courses relevant to ling in other depts

Substitution permitted: 1 term course in ling for 1 term course in foreign lang or lit, with DUS permission

Senior requirement: Senior essay (LING 491b)