|
Language, spoken and written, is one of the most important factors separating humans from other animals. It both unites and divides us culturally, ethnically, socially and personally. Linguists study the structure, variation and use of language among different cultural groups. Work in linguistics also draws on research in other disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, computer science, literature, neuroscience, education and others.
Real World
Many graduates find careers that provide practical outlets for their linguistic training, such as computer science, teaching English as a second language, foreign language teaching, lexicography or bilingual-bicultural education and curriculum development.
Major Requirements
You will begin with an introductory course in linguistics and coursework in the foreign language of your choice. At the upper-division level, you will study advanced grammar, linguistic analysis, syntax and other technical topics; you will also, depending on your personal focus, take courses in other disciplines to complement your study. These courses include offerings such as anthropological linguistics, linguistic analysis of specific languages and the philosophy of language.
Major Adviser
Name: Dr. Raul Aranovich
Contact: raranovich@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-2291
A Student Perspective
The small size of the program means that the faculty are readily available to work with students, more so than they might be in a larger major. I've always felt encouraged to develop and defend my own opinions; in my favorite class, Morphology, we got into heated discussions almost every day! It makes a class enormously more interesting when you have your own opinion on the subject matter, maybe even one that contradicts the professor's, and can argue about it in class. The important thing is to think systematically and carefully, which linguistics classes here train you to do.
~ Kenji Yamada, senior
A Faculty Perspective
Most classes in the major are taught by professional linguists devoted to education as well as research in the subject matter covered in their classes. The size and structure or the program encourage collaborative learning and social networking that foster academic achievement. Undergraduate students have ample opportunities to assist professors with their research, as much research in linguistics involves the same techniques of analysis that are developed in coursework for the major.
~ Dr. Patrick Farrell, associate professor
|
