Program Overview

Linguistics: General Linguistics Emphasis

Overview

From syntax and phonetics to semantics and sociolinguistics, learn all there is to know about how humans communicate with one another. Linguistics is the study of language and communication. It deals with the exploration of particular languages and the search for general properties common to all languages or large groups of languages. In this Bachelor of Arts program, students complete coursework in the basics of linguistics, such as phonetics (sound patterns), morphology (how words are built) and syntax (sentence structure), as well as how humans use language, such as pragmatics (language in context) and sociolinguistics (language and culture). The renowned faculty includes preeminent linguist Noam Chomsky. Students graduate prepared for an array of professions, from journalism and publishing to international business.

Learning Outcomes

• Language Analysis; Demonstrate ability to analyze patterns in language.
• Language Patterns; Show awareness of language usage patterns around the world.
• Identify Language Myths; Describe and address common misconceptions about language.
• Communicate Linguistics Knowledge; Communicate knowledge about linguistics orally and through writing.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• LING 300: Introduction to Syntax
• LING 315: Introduction to Phonology
• LING 341: Language Development

Career Fields

• Editing
• Linguistics
• Education
• Speech therapy
• Communications

Level of Math

• General Knowledge

This strand involves the general understanding and appreciation of how mathematics is used to solve problems in everyday life. The G-strand does not prepare a student for any further work grounded in mathematics and assumes the student will not proceed beyond the basic Foundations level noted above. Thus only those students whose major requires the most general knowledge of mathematics should take this strand.

Level of Second Language

• 4th Semester Proficiency

Fourth-semester skill level in a second language is required. B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion of a two-course sequence beyond the second semester of post-secondary language instruction. 3. Completion with a C or higher of a 300- or 400-level language course at the post-secondary level. 4. Completion of one course beyond the third semester in combination with an AP (Advanced Placement) score, IB (International Baccalaureate) score or a CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) score determined by the individual language department. 5. An AP, IB, or CLEP language score determined by individual language departments 6. A minimum of one semester study abroad in a language program approved by the appropriate language department as the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Degree

• Bachelor of Arts

Sample Plans

2025, Linguistics: General Linguistics Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

1st Semester

• First Semester Composition (3 credits)
• Foundation Mathematics (3 credits)
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1 credit)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• First Semester Second Language (4 credits)

2nd Semester

• Second Semester Composition (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• Second Semester Second Language (4 credits)

Second Year

3rd Semester

• LING 201: Introduction to Linguistics (3 credits)
• LING 320: Language & Social Issues (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• Third Semester Second Language (4 credits)

4th Semester

• LING 300: Introduction to Syntax (3 credits)
• LING 314: Phonetics (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1 credit)
• Fourth Semester Second Language (4 credits)

Third Year

5th Semester

• LING 315: Introduction to Phonology (3 credits)
• LING 364: Formal Semantics (3 credits)
• LING Core 2 Elective (3 credits)
• Minor Course (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)

6th Semester

• LING Core 2 Elective (3 credits)
• LING Emphasis-Specific Course (3 credits)
• Minor Course (3 credits)
• Minor Course (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)

Fourth Year

7th Semester

• LING Emphasis-Specific Course (3 credits)
• LING Emphasis-Specific Course (3 credits)
• Minor Course (3 credits)
• Minor Course (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)

8th Semester

• LING Emphasis-Specific Course (3 credits)
• LING Emphasis-Specific Course (3 credits)
• Minor Course (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)