Linguistics

Master of Arts Degree

A minimum of 30 credits, 18 from elective courses and 12 credits as follows: LNGS 701; LNGS 702, or ANTH 748; a course in the structure of a modern or ancient language (this must be a linguistics course; language courses do not count toward the linguistics graduate degree); a course in theoretical linguistics. The latter two courses, as well as the remaining 18 credits from elective courses, are chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Comprehensive Examination

All students must pass a comprehensive qualifying examination, normally offered in the spring of the second year, consisting of written and oral components.

Thesis (optional)

Three of the total 30 credits may be devoted to writing a thesis. This option is recommended for those who plan to move on to a Ph.D. program in linguistics. Before beginning a thesis, a student must have successfully completed both parts of the comprehensive examination, and must submit a written thesis proposal signed by two members of the linguistics committee who have agreed to supervise the research.

Language Requirement

Reading knowledge of French or German is required. Competency is determined by written examination. Other languages may be substituted by petition to the linguistics committee.

Special Areas

Students should choose electives in one or more of the following areas: anthropology, Asian and Middle Eastern languages and Cultures, comparative Latin and Greek, English language study, Germanic linguistics, Indic linguistics, philosophy, psychology, Romance linguistics, Slavic linguistics.

The following courses satisfy the special area requirement. Refer to the appropriate department for course descriptions.