All students must pass a comprehensive qualifying examination, normally offered in the spring of the second year, consisting of written and oral components. Three of the total 30 credits may be devoted to writing a thesis. This option is recommended for those who plan to move on to a Ph.D. program in linguistics. Before beginning a thesis, students must have successfully completed both parts of the comprehensive examination, and must submit a written thesis proposal signed by two members of the linguistics committee who have agreed to supervise the research. Language Requirement Reading knowledge of French or German is required.
Competency is determined by written examination.
Other languages may be substituted by petition to the linguistics committee. In addition to the LING and LNGS courses listed below, students must choose electives in one or more of the following areas. Studies the theoretical foundations of major linguistic models focusing on problem-solving and descriptive techniques. Emphasizes the American structuralist and transformational-generative models of language. Studies linguistic change focusing on the methods of comparative and internal reconstruction.