The Applied Linguistics major will give you a deep understanding of language structure, language use, and linguistic analysis.
Requirements:
- 28 credits of required courses (7 courses)
- 4 required credits of typologically different language from English/language structure (1 course)
- 24 credits of adviser approved electives (6 courses)
Advising and grading requirements: By the end of the first quarter of admission to the program, students must consult with the Applied Linguistics faculty adviser to select the appropriate courses and plan their schedule. All courses used to satisfy the department major or minor requirements must be graded C or above. Courses taken for a "pass" grade during the Covid pandemic are acceptable toward fulfilling department major requirements.
Required Courses (28 credits)
Course | Course Description |
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LING 390 Introduction to Linguistics (4 credits). Start here. LING 390 is a prerequisite for many other courses. | A general introduction to the study of linguistics and the tools for conducting linguistic analysis. This course includes a basic survey of phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, and a brief overview of other topics such as language in social contexts. This course is a prerequisite for many 400 level-courses in the department. |
LING 391 WIC: Introduction to Applied Linguistics (4 credits) | An introduction to core areas of applied linguistics integrated with experience analyzing and writing about linguistic data. Specific topics include language acquisition and discourse analysis. The course serves as a bridge between 300-level and 400-level coursework in the department, and it can be used toward the fulfillment of the University Writing Requirement. Prerequisite: 390 |
LING 392 Structure of the English Language (4 credits) | A study of basic English grammar with an emphasis on describing grammatical forms and their functions in communication. |
LING 407 Senior Seminar (4 credits) | The Senior Seminar synthesizes the Applied Linguistics major's various strands and applies the students' linguistic knowledge to explore substantive issues in the field. Course content varies from quarter to quarter. Previous topics have included "Orality and Literacy," "Critical Linguistics," and "Language in Cyberspace." In addition, students are guided through preparing resumes and CVs for graduate school or jobs. Those students planning on going to graduate school are advised to take the course in Fall quarter. Prerequisites: 16 LING credits, senior standing or instructor's permission |
LING 415 Linguistics Phonetics (4 credits) | An introduction to the sounds of the world's languages with a concentration on English. Practical exercises develop skills in production, discrimination, and phonetic transcription. Applications include speech technology and speech pathology. Prerequisite: LING 390 |
LING 432 Sociolinguistics (4 credits) | An examination of the role of language in society and how social factors can influence language use and attitudes. Topics include various social issues that involve language including language. policy and language ideology. Prerequisite: LING 390 or LING 521 or LING 513. Recommended: LING 391 and LING 392. |
LING 435 Applied Linguistics (4 credits) | An examination of current areas of applied linguistics research. Prerequisite: LING 390 and LING 391 |
Typologically Different Language from English / Language Structure Requirement (4 credits)
All students must complete one of the two following requirements:
Course | Course Description |
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Option 1: Take 1 course of a single language that is typologically different from English. | Choose from Arabic, ASL, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Russian, Swahili, or Turkish. If you fulfill the PSU BA Language Requirement with one of these languages, you also simultaneously fulfill the Applied Linguistics structure requirement. |
Option 2: Take 1 course that focuses on language structure across languages | Choose from: - LING 420 Historical Comparative Linguistics
- LING 418 Morphology
- LING 419 Language Typology
- LING 482 Pidgins & Creoles
- LING 410 with prior advisor approval
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Advisor-Approved Electives (24 credits)
Meet with LING faculty advisor to decide which electives best meet your goals and interests. At least sixteen credits must be PSU LING courses. For a course not taken at PSU to count towards the major, students must get approval from the chair or the LING adviser.