Linguistics

Linguistics involves the study of language in many domains and from multiple perspectives. The core courses analyze speech sounds, words and the structure of language(s).

Overview

The discipline also covers old and new languages, speech in ordinary conversation, the workplace and the classroom. Child acquisition of languages and adult acquisition of a second language are important topics. Linguists also study language in relation to gender, the brain and computers, and the interrelationship of languages and dialects.

Linguists analyze and contribute to mass communication, they testify about language meaning and use in the courtroom, and they analyze natural language processing. Their expertise helps all people communicate more effectively -- patients and doctors, spouses and partners, students and teachers. Linguists also teach non-native speakers to speak, read, write and comprehend English and other languages.

Coursework for the Major

Students must earn minimum grades of C within two attempts in a minimum of 33 semester hours.

Required Coursework

• LIN 3010 Introduction to Linguistics
• LIN 3201 Sounds of Human Language
• LIN 3460 Structure of Human Language
• Five or more 3000/4000-level linguistics courses (15-24 credits)
• Linguistics electives offered by the program or by an outside department (0-9 credits)
  • Up to six credits may come from a list of related courses or a two-semester sequence of a non-Romance or non-Germanic language. If selecting a language, the student must complete two consecutive semesters of the same language for the courses to count toward the major. No more than 6 language credits will apply to the major.

Consult the undergraduate coordinator or program director for emphasis areas and electives. Courses must be completed at UF; if taken at another accredited university, they must be approved by the department.

Required Core Courses (9 credits)

Choose Five or More (15-24 credits)

Electives - offered by the program or other departments (0-9 credits)

Related or Foreign Language Courses (6 credits may apply to electives)

Combined Degree Program

Linguistics offers a combined-degree program that allows students to obtain a BA and an MA in five years. Students enroll in four graduate courses in their senior year (LIN 6323, LIN 6501, LIN 6402 and LIN 6084) that count toward both the BA and MA degrees. Students need to apply by February 15 of the spring semester of their junior year. For more information, refer to www.lin.ufl.edu/major.

Course Details

Linguistics offers a variety of courses and students are free to pick any combination. Suggested specializations within the major include:

• Theoretical linguistics, covering the theory of sounds (phonology), word structure (morphology), sentences (syntax) and meaning (semantics) -- LIN 4320, LIN 4400,
  LIN 4500, LIN 4803, LIN 4850
• Human language processing, dealing with how language is processed in the mind and brain -- LIN 4701, LIN 4205, LIN 4702C, LIN 4790
• Sociolinguistics, dealing with how language works in society -- LIN 3611, LIN 4600,
  LIN 4656.

Overseas Studies

Some study abroad programs that offer linguistics courses are the University of Mannheim (Germany), University of Haifa (Israel), University of Madrid (Spain), and the University of Utrecht (The Netherlands). For more information and programs, contact the linguistics undergraduate adviser.

Relevant Minors and/or Certificates

Linguistics students may want to consider a minor or certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. More information is available on the department website.

Research

Students are encouraged to engage in individual study with a faculty member or to volunteer in a laboratory. For more information, refer to www.lin.ufl.edu/major

Critical Tracking

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements — Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5

Semester 2

• Maintain 2.0 UF GPA

Semester 3

• Complete 1 foreign language or linguistics course with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA

Semester 4

• Complete 1 additional foreign language or linguistics course with a 2.75 critical-tracking GPA

Semester 5

• Complete LIN 3010 and the foreign language sequence (if 4-3-3 option) with a 2.75 critical-tracking GPA

Recommended Semester Plan

Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).