Program Overview
Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through the study of language history, structure, and function. The program prepares graduates for careers in fields such as public relations, education, machine learning, and translation. Students can specialize in specific areas of interest through elective courses and foreign language proficiency is required.
Program Outline
The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication skills through the study of various aspects of language, including:
- History: The evolution of language over time.
- Function: How language is used in different contexts. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in various fields, including:
- Public relations
- Education
- Machine learning
- Speech pathology
- Translation
- Technical writing
- Publishing
- Foreign services
Outline:
The BA Linguistics program consists of a total of 120 credits, including:
- General Education Requirements: These courses provide a foundation in various disciplines, such as mathematics, science, humanities, and social sciences.
- Linguistics Core Courses: These courses introduce students to the fundamental concepts of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics.
- Linguistics Electives: Students can choose from a variety of electives to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as historical linguistics, psycholinguistics, or computational linguistics.
- Foreign Language Courses: Students must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams: Midterm and final exams for each course.
- Papers: Essays and research papers on various topics related to linguistics.
- Presentations: Presentations of research findings or linguistic analyses.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and activities.
Teaching:
The BA Linguistics program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members with expertise in various areas of linguistics. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group projects, and independent research.
Careers:
Graduates of the BA Linguistics program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields. Some potential career paths include:
- Speech and language therapist: Helping individuals with communication disorders.
- Teaching English as a second language: Teaching English to non-native speakers.
- Translator: Translating written or spoken materials from one language to another.
- Technical writer: Creating technical documents, such as manuals and user guides.
- Lexicographer: Creating and maintaining dictionaries and other language resources.
- Foreign language teacher: Teaching foreign languages at the elementary, secondary, or college level.
- Artificial Intelligence computational linguists: Developing and applying language-related technologies in artificial intelligence systems.
Other:
- Honors Track: Qualified students can apply for the Honors track, which provides access to higher-level courses and research opportunities.
- Accelerated Master's Program: Students can combine their undergraduate studies with the MS in Information Science program to earn both degrees in five years.
- Study Abroad: Students have the opportunity to study abroad and gain international experience.
- Undergraduate Research: Students can participate in research projects with faculty members.
- Student Learning Objectives: The program has clearly defined learning objectives that students are expected to achieve.