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Linguistics

College of Liberal Arts

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	Linguistics
	Requirements and Core Courses
	Careers in Linguistics
	Scholarships and Financial Aid
	Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You
	Contact Information

Linguistics

Linguistics is traditionally defined as the study of the nature and structure of human language. A student majoring in linguistics may expect a broad liberal education in literature, anthropology, mathematics, and philosophy around a core of language. The student will gain a substantial familiarity with several languages and types of linguistic structure and will become conversant with the formal theories of linguistic analysis and the historical study of language. • Offered at WSU: Bachelor of arts in humanities with a linguistics option • Available at: Pullman

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Requirements and Core Courses

Core courses include: - Speech, Thought, and Culture - Descriptive Linguistics - Special Problems in Anthropology - Introduction to Syntax and Semantics - History of the English Language - Topics in Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics - Special Problems in English Suggested courses: • 3-12 hours of math, computer science, or statistics electives, depending upon special emphasis • 3-12 hours of philosophy electives, depending upon special emphasis (recommended: Elementary Logic, Advanced Logic, and Philosophy of Language) • 6-18 hours of foreign language electives, depending upon special emphasis • Other elective courses you may wish to take include Cognition and Memory, Psychology of Language, Development of Speech and Language in Childhood, Introduction to English as a Second Language, and Methods and Materials for Bilingual/ESL Education. NOTE: Consult the WSU General Catalog for full requirements and for course planning. Students must meet requirements outlined in the General Catalog to graduate.

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Careers in Linguistics

Linguists study a range of aspects of language, including the sounds used in human languages and how they are organized into systems in specific languages; the internal structure of words, sentences and discourses; how meaning is conveyed by language; how languages vary across groups; how languages change over time; how people use language to accomplish things; how language reflects and transmits social values and social structures.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students can apply for University-level scholarships and more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.

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Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You

• Anthropology • Computer Science • English • Foreign Languages and Cultures • Mathematics • Philosophy • Psychology

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Contact Information

Linguistics Program

Avery Hall, Room 347 Washington State University Pullman, WA 99164-5020 Phone: 509-335-2117

libartsgs@wsu.edu

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Strengths of the Program

• General studies is for students who have varied interests that cut across the usual departmental boundaries and wish to play a major role in deciding on a suitable curriculum of study.
• Gain a broad liberal education in literature, anthropology, mathematics, and philosophy around a core of language.
• Courses introduce you to several languages and types of linguistic structure, formal theories of linguistic analysis, and the historical study of language.

Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us