Courses - Spring 2026
LING200
Introductory Linguistics
Credit only granted for: HESP120 or LING200.
Additional information: This course serves as the prerequisite for further courses in linguistics.
An exploration of the nature of human language. Introduction to the basic concepts and methodology of modern linguistic analysis (sound systems, word formation, sentence structure). Examination of the factors that contribute to dialect differences and the social implications of language variation. Additional topics may include: semantics, pragmatics, language change, writing systems, typology, language universals, comparison with other communication systems.
LING240
Language and Mind
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in LING200.
Additional information: Required for Linguistics majors and recommended for students in related fields.
The study of language as a cognitive phenomenon. Ways of representing people's knowledge of their native language, ways in which that knowledge is attained naturally by children, and how it is used in speaking and listening. Additional topics may include: animal communication, language and the brain, language and thought.
LING248
Introduction to Laboratory Research in Linguistics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Linguistics department.
LING272
Can my dog ask questions - and how would my cat answer? A traditional debate concerns whether language is a unique human faculty. While communication systems are common - cetaceans whistle and sing, songbirds and parrots are vocal learners, bees convey information about energy sources - the specific properties of human language, involving finite mental means to socially yield unbounded messages, have not been easy to find in other species. This course delves into the question of whether this quality is unique to humans. The only precondition to take it is the willingness to approach the matter scientifically, starting with notions from a Computational Theory of Mind. Students may bring to bear upon these questions insights from linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, molecular biology, etc., to debate how an abstract systematic behavior can arise within an animal brain, and what that says about evolution.
LING311
Syntax I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: LING240.
Basic concepts, analytical techniques of generative syntax, relation to empirical limits imposed by viewing grammars as representations of a component of human mind. Aspects of current theories.
LING312
Syntax II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: LING311.
Continuation of LING311. Development of theories of syntax. Criteria for revising theories. Methods and strategies of scientific efforts to explain natural phenomena.
LING321
Phonology I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: LING240.
Properties of sound systems of human languages, basic concepts and analytical techniques of generative phonology. Empirical limits imposed by viewing grammars as cognitive representations. Physiological properties and phonological systems; articulatory phonetics and distinctive feature theory.
LING419B
Topics in Syntax
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
LING429L
Topics in Phonology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
LING444
Child Language Acquisition
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: LING311.
Examines language acquisition in infancy and early childhood: the nature of children's linguistic representations and how these develop naturally. Role of (possible) innate linguistic structure and interaction of such structure with experience. Evaluation of methods and results of current and classic research leading to contemporary models of language development.
LING448
Advanced Laboratory Research in Linguistics
Credits:
2 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Linguistics department.
LING449D
Topics in Psycholinguistics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
LING499
Directed Studies in Linguistics
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
LING499C
Directed Studies in Linguistics; Teaching Assistantship
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
LING499H
Directed Studies in Linguistics
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
LING499R
Directed Studies in Linguistics; . UNDERSTANDING LANGUAGE UNDERSTANDING
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
LING611
Issues in Syntax
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: LING610.
Topics of current theoretical interest examined through data from a variety of languages.
LING621
Issues in Phonology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: LING620.
Topics of current interest in phonological theory examined through data from several languages.
LING661
Issues in Semantics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: LING660; or permission of ARHU-Linguistics department.
A second course in semantic theory. Application of basic concepts and methods to topics of current theoretical interest.
LING663
Pragmatics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: LING660 or PHIL660; or permission of instructor.
Recommended: LING661.
An intensive introduction to formal linguistic pragmatics: the study of systematic dependencies of meaning on context of use. Topics will include implicature, presupposition, reference, topic, focus, and the linguistic means of expressing these.
LING689
Independent Study
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
LING689T
Independent Study; Pedagogy for Linguistics
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg
Designed for novice instructors to collaboratively explore and evaluate methodologies that support teaching improvement and learner achievement.
LING798
Research Papers in Linguistics
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg
LING799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
LING888
Doctoral Research Paper
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
LING889
Directed Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
LING896
Research Paper in Minor Area
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: LING888.
This course is designed to strengthen the students' ability to do research in a minor area of expertise, and to help them create a publishable piece. In addition, the course constitutes part of a set of requirements to advance to doctoral candidacy.
LING898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg
LING899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
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