Program Overview

Introduction to the Linguistics, Literature, and Writing Program

The Linguistics, Literature, and Writing program at Western Washington University is an interdisciplinary major that combines the study of language with the study of English literature and writing studies. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social, political, cultural, historical, and economic factors that affect peoples and their languages. It also equips students with the tools to apply the findings of linguistic analysis in a broader context.

Program Description

The major in Linguistics, Literature, and Writing includes coursework in linguistics, literary theory, composition and rhetoric, and creative writing, as well as teaching methods courses. Students in this major will acquire knowledge of the functions of language at various levels and knowledge of the techniques and methods used in linguistic analysis. They will also gain awareness of the study of literatures in historical and cultural contexts through coursework in literary theory, creative writing, and composition and rhetoric.

Why Consider a Teaching Endorsement in Linguistics Major?

The Linguistics, Literature, and Writing major is especially designed for students wishing to pursue a career in high school teaching. The direct study of language/linguistics is becoming increasingly important, and the long-standing tradition of the contextualized study of literature from various periods remains important, as does a focus on the craft of close reading and of writing in a variety of genres.

Requirements for the Major

• One course from:
  • ANTH 247 - Intro to Linguistic Anthropology (5 credits)
  • HNRS 217 - Colloquium in Linguistics (5 credits)
  • LING 201 - Introduction to Language and Linguistics (5 credits)
  • LING 301 - Introduction to Linguistic Science (5 credits)
• LING 204 - Language and Society (5 credits)
• LING 310 - Introduction to Linguistic Analysis (5 credits)
• LING 311 - Phonetics (5 credits)
• LING 321 - Morphology and Syntax (5 credits)
• LING 331 - Semantics and Pragmatics (5 credits)
• LING 336 - The Structure of English (5 credits)
• One course from:
  • ENG 441 - Language and the Secondary Classroom (5 credits)
  • LING 370 - Linguistics, Education, and Social Justice (5 credits)
• ENG 347 - Studies in Young Adult Literature (5 credits)
• ENG 350 - Introduction to Creative Writing (5 credits)
• ENG 443 - Teaching English Language Arts in the Secondary Schools I (5 credits)
• ENG 444 - Teaching English Language Arts in the Secondary Schools II (5 credits)
• Two courses from (only one allowed from each pair):
  • ENG 307 - Seminar in Literature & Culture: Medieval (5 credits)
  • or ENG 317 - Survey in Literature & Culture: Medieval (5 credits)
  • ENG 308 - Seminar in Literature & Culture: Early Modern (5 credits)
  • or ENG 318 - Survey in Literature & Culture: Early Modern (5 credits)
  • ENG 309 - Seminar in Literature & Culture: The Long 18th Century (5 credits)
  • or ENG 319 - Survey in Literature & Culture: The Long 18th Century (5 credits)
  • ENG 310 - Seminar in Literature & Culture: The Long 19th Century (5 credits)
  • or ENG 320 - Survey in Literature & Culture: The Long 19th Century (5 credits)
  • ENG 311 - Seminar in Literature & Culture: The 20-21st Century (5 credits)
  • or ENG 321 - Survey in Literature & Culture: The 20-21st Centuries (5 credits)
• One course from:
  • ENG 364 - Introduction to Film Studies (5 credits)
  • ENG 371 - Rhetorical Theory (5 credits)
  • ENG 442 - Topics in Literacy (5 credits)
• One course from:
  • ENG 343 - Critical Childhood Studies (5 credits)
  • ENG 410 - Studies in Literary History (5 credits)
  • ENG 415 - Special Topics in National Literatures (5 credits)
  • ENG 423 - Studies in Major Authors (5 credits)
• One course from:
  • ENG 301 - Writing and the Public (5 credits)
  • ENG 302 - Technical Writing (5 credits)

Secondary Education Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Program

• SEC 303 - Teaching Adolescents: Development and Identity (4 credits)
• SEC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity (5 credits)
• SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching (2 credits)
• SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education (4 credits)
• SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools (4 credits)
• SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards (4 credits)
• SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning (4 credits)
• SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline (4 credits)
• SEC 433 - Teaching and Learning Laboratory (1 credit)
• SEC 435 - Secondary Practicum I (2 credits)
• SEC 436 - Secondary Practicum II (1 credit)
• IT 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary) (2 credits)
• SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary (18 credits)
• SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs (4 credits)

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Conclusion

The Linguistics, Literature, and Writing program at Western Washington University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in language, literature, and writing. With a focus on teaching endorsement, this program prepares students for a career in high school teaching, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. By completing the requirements for the major and the Secondary Education Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Program, students can earn a degree that will serve them well in their future careers.