Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 General/Graduate Catalog - Expires August 2027 
    
2021-2022 General/Graduate Catalog - Expires August 2027 [Archived Catalog]

Linguistics (BS)


Affiliation: School of Arts & Letters

THE MAJOR

Linguistics is the study of human language. Students in the BS Linguistics program analyze the structure of language, study the relationship between language and society, gain insights into language development and learning, explore language and the mind, and investigate language in the context of culture.

NOTE: No grade of “D” in major courses is accepted toward a Linguistics degree. An overall cumulative grade point average of 2.5 is required in the major.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN LINGUISTICS

Seniors who wish to graduate with Honors in Linguistics must meet the following requirements. Students complete a senior capstone research project in conjunction with the senior seminar course. The capstone project is judged according to eight criteria:

  • Command of linguistic terminology;
  • Knowledge of linguistic theory;
  • Knowledge of previous scholarly work;
  • Scientific treatment of data; 
  • Analysis of data;
  • Sensitivity to linguistic diversity;
  • Connection to other academic areas and real life endeavors; and
  • Command of academic discourse.

If the student’s major portfolio (compiled during the senior seminar course) is deemed proficient in all outcomes and excellent in four or more, and if the student has at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA and a 3.70 GPA in the major at the time of graduation, s/he is awarded Departmental Honors in Linguistics. 

LINGUISTIC COMMUNICATION

All Linguistics majors will develop their skills as speakers and as writers. In one of our “Research on Language in Use” courses (LING 308, LING 324, LING 325, or LING 414), students learn how to find and ethically cite appropriate sources, and to follow APA style (which is the style required in most linguistics journals). Our senior capstone seminar in both Writing- and Speaking-enhanced: every student completes an original piece of research and produces a research paper (in successive stages, receiving and responding to formative feedback on earlier drafts), and presents their research at the English & Linguistic Senior Seminar conference. The presentation is practiced prior to the conference, so that students get feedback about content, organization, visual support, and delivery.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

Dialogues Requirements: 42-61 Credits


Missouri Statute (1-4 credits)


Bachelor of Science Requirement: 6-8 Credits


At least six (6) credits from at least two of the following four areas:

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:


The Linguistics major consists of two (2) parts: Required Support and Major Requirements. Each student must complete both parts.

Part I: Required Support: 0-6 Credits


Intermediate proficiency in ONE foreign language

Part II: Major Requirements: 30 Credits


Select one of the following Structure and History of Language Courses:


Select one of the following Research on Language in Use courses:


Select two of the following Core Areas of Analysis:


Elective Courses:


Select from the following list, to total at least 30 credits in the major:

Electives to Total: 120 Credits