Linguistics

Instructional Program (CIP)

Description

The field of linguistics is devoted to the study of language, its nature, uses and limitations. Because of its wide relevance, undergraduate study in linguistics can be a springboard to careers in many areas, from education to computer science.

The linguistics major consists of a cluster of foundation courses designed to foster a deep understanding of human natural language, including an appreciation of the structure and organization of natural languages, the variety of natural languages, the commonalities that underlie the vast apparent differences among languages, the processes of language acquisition in children, the psychological and neurological bases of language use, and the form and significance of social variation in language.

Appended to this intellectual foundation are three tracks, ASL/English interpreting, general linguistics, speech and language science. The ASL/English interpreting track is intended for students who wish to eventually become nationally certified ASL/English interpreters. The general linguistics track serves students who have an interest in language as an aspect of human nature or who wish to pursue graduate education in language-related areas. The speech and language science track is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in speech-language pathology, audiology, or related disciplines.

The goals of the linguistics major are 1) to help each student develop an understanding of the nature of natural language, 2) to help each student develop a foundation of more specialized expertise relevant to the student’s career goals, and 3) to help each student compile a record of achievement that will facilitate the student’s search for employment or further education. Costs to attend USM are based on enrollment in 30 credits per year. To apply to USM see: http://www.usm.maine.edu/admit/apply.html. For more information about this major see: http://usm.maine.edu/lin/

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