Minor in Linguistics
The minor in Linguistics enables students to study the organization of human language as well as the social dimensions of language use. Students gain an understanding and appreciation of the commonalities among all human languages, the range of linguistic diversity found across the globe, the challenges inherent in the learning of language, and the dynamic nature of language as a system of communication. The minor includes required foundational courses that provide a solid background in the core areas of linguistics, as well as elective options that allow students to tailor their program of study to meet their interests and academic and professional goals. Note also that Linguistics minors will fulfill at least 7—and can fulfill up to 12—of the 26 required Hub units through courses satisfying requirements for the minor.
Requirements
The Linguistics minor consists of a total of six courses, chosen in consultation with an advisor: four core linguistics courses and two electives. Further information on individual courses can be found in the list of Linguistics course descriptions and on the Linguistics program website.
Unless otherwise indicated, all required courses are 4-credit hours.
Four required core courses
- CAS LX 250 Introduction to Linguistics
- CAS LX 301 Phonetics & Phonology: Introduction to Sound Systems (previously offered as CAS LX 510)
- CAS LX 321 Syntax: Introduction to Sentential Structure (previously offered as CAS LX 522)
- CAS LX 331 Semantics & Pragmatics: Introduction to Linguistic Meaning (previously offered as CAS LX 502)
Two linguistics electives
- Chosen from CAS LX 4-credit offerings at or above the 200 level (one of these may be a related course, with consent of advisor)
Students may include up to three transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non-Boston University study abroad programs and must take a minimum of three courses on the Charles River Campus.
