Sample Program Scenarios

Sample Program Scenario 1

Some students take courses in Linguistics during their freshman and sophomore years, and declare in Spring quarter of the sophomore year.  A typical plan for a major under this scenario would include:

Freshman and Sophomore Years

  • An SIS seminar on a linguistic subject and/or Introduction to Linguistics (not required)
  • 196 Introduction to Research for Undergraduates (sophomores)
  • Three core courses
    • (select one each from phonology/phonetics, morphology/syntax, and semantics/pragmatics)
  • One or more breadth courses
    • (choose one course each from 2 areas: historical/language change, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, sociolinguistics)
  • Foreign language courses (as needed)

Junior Year

  • Remaining breadth courses, including a WIM course
  • Students considering Honors should take 195A in Winter and Spring quarters
  • Various electives

Senior Year

  • More advanced Linguistics courses (2 at the 200 level)
  • 197A Undergraduate Research Seminar
  • Honors or other senior research project if appropriate

Sample Program Scenario 2

Some students come to Linguistics fairly late because they have discovered it late.  Such students have typically become enthusiastic because of an SIS course on a linguistic subject or a couple of courses that can count toward the major.  Some transfer from another institution.  It requires dedication to do honors in this scenario, but is certainly feasible (and has been done very successfully).  A typical plan under this scenario would include:

Freshman and Sophomore Years

  • Ideally an SIS course and/or Introduction to Linguistics (not required)

Junior Year

  • 196 Introduction to Research for Undergraduates
  • Three core courses
    • (select one each from phonology/phonetics, morphology/syntax, and semantics/pragmatics)
  • As many breadth courses as possible
    • (choose one course each from 2 areas: historical/language change, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, sociolinguistics)
  • Foreign language courses (as needed)

Senior Year

  • Remaining breadth courses and electives
  • Two 200-level Linguistics courses
  • Foreign language courses (if needed)
  • 197A Undergraduate Research Seminar
  • Students considering Honors should take 195A in Winter and Spring quarters
  • Honors or other senior research project if appropriate
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