Linguistics is the scientific study of language. Language is studied descriptively, theoretically, computationally, psychologically, and as a social phenomenon. The field of linguistics thus informs and is informed by many other areas of study, including philosophy, psychology, sociology, computer science, the study of individual languages and literature, literary studies, and education.
This minor introduces the fundamental concepts of modern linguistic theory and explores how these concepts relate to various other disciplines.
Faculty
Back, Blevins (director), Goldin, Jones, Leeman, Levine, Morrill, Roman-Mendoza, Serafini, Wulf
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 15
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Core Courses
General Linguistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LING 306 | General Linguistics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Syntactic Theory, Phonological Theory, or Linguistic Semantics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Syntax I | ||
| Generative Phonology | ||
| Semantics and Pragmatics | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select three from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core) | ||
| Foundations of Intercultural Communication (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in the Sociopolitics of Language | ||
| Multilingualism, Identity, and Power (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
- 1
Other elective courses, when topic is relevant, may be applied to the minor with the prior written approval of the director.