Program Overview

Introduction to Study of Language

The Introduction to Study of Language program explores the unique nature and structure of human language, its universality, and its diversity. This program delves into language in its social and cultural setting, in relation to other aspects of human inquiry and knowledge.

Program Details

• Duration: As few as 12 weeks
• Units: 5.0
• Current Formats: Online
• Cost: Starting at $848.00

What You Can Learn

This program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Sentence structure (syntax) and the meaning of words and sentences (semantics and pragmatics)
• Articulation and interaction of speech sounds (phonetics and phonology)
• Word formation and sources of new words (morphology)
• Language development over time (historical and comparative linguistics)
• Language acquisition by children and adults
• Neural foundations of language

About This Course

The course provides an introduction to the scientific study of language, covering the structure of human language, including articulation and interaction of speech sounds, word formation, structure of sentences, meaning, and the origin of English and related languages. It is transferable for UC credit.

Summer 2026 Schedule

• Date: June 22 - September 13
• Format: Online
• Instructor: Natalie Operstein
• Fee: $848.00

Course Requirements

• Language Files: Materials for an Introduction to Language and Linguistics, Ohio State University Press
• Additional requirements include microphone, headphones/speakers, and webcam
• Enrollment limited to 25 students
• Visitors not permitted
• Internet access required
• Materials required

Refund Policy

• Refunds only available from April 27, 2026, to July 05, 2026

General Education Requirement

• Fulfills in part the General Education requirement of the UCLA College of Letters and Science