Linguistics Department
Programs
Master of Arts in Linguistics
The Master of Arts degree in linguistics provides post-baccalaureate
instruction in current linguistic theory and in applying general linguistics
to teaching language arts or to teaching English to non-native speakers.
The degree is intended to accomodate students who have done previous work
in linguistics as well as those who have had little exposure to the subject.
For a brochure describing the program, please click here.
Admission
Admission is selective. The department will consider applicants who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and whose credentials, including transcripts and two letters of recommendation, give evidence of academic distinction. Applicants must explain, in a statement of purpose, their reasons for wishing to pursue graduate work in linguistics. Although an undergraduate major in linguistics is not a requirement for admission, applicants must demonstrate a knowledge of the basic principles of linguistics, as would be encountered in introductory linguistics courses.
A grade point average
of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate work is ordinarily the minimum
standard for admission. At its discretion, the department may admit students
of superior promise but deficient preparation provided that such students
correct their deficiencies before commencing graduate work. Students may
be admitted during any semester or session of the university calendar.
Applicants to the program must have all their credentials in to the Office
of Graduate Study no later than six weeks before the beginning of their
initial semester of registration. After that time, and until the beginning
of classes, they may apply for admission as special graduate students.
However, not more than 12 credits earned as a special graduate can be applied
toward the degree; therefore, the application must be completed as soon
as possible. Upon completion of 12 credits, students will be evaluated
for admission to candidacy and will choose an area of specialization.
Requirements for the degree of M.A. in Linguistics
The Master of Arts degree in linguistics will be awarded to the student
who earns 36 credits in nine courses as specified below. Upon admission to candidacy, the student
will choose an area of specialization from among the following three: linguistic
theory, teaching English to speakers of other languages, and teaching language
arts. At least 16 credits (four courses) of work must be in the area of
specialization. All students must take the Core Program of 12 credits
which includes LIN 680 (Graduate Seminar in Linguistics) or LIN 690 (The
Master's Thesis). Details on the requirements and guidelines for LIN 680
and LIN 690 are available at http://www.lin.oakland.edu/680-690guide.html.
When graduate courses are cross listed with undergraduate courses, graduate
students will be required to complete additional work at the graduate level,
usually an essay or a project decided in conjunction with the professor.
General Requirements
1. nine courses (36 credits)
2. no more than 8 credits in courses from other departments
3. no more than 8 credits in 400-level LIN or ALS courses
4. either (a) two years of foreign language study, or (b) one year
of foreign language study and LIN 409; in either case, demonstrated first
year proficiency in at least one foreign language is required. First
year proficiency can be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of a language
course at the 115 level.
Core Program
(12 credits)1. LIN 503 Introduction to Phonology
2. LIN 504 Introduction to Syntax
3. LIN 680 Seminar in Linguistics or LIN 690 The Master's Thesis
Specializations
Linguistic Theory (24 credits)
1. LIN 603 Phonological Theory or LIN 613 Advanced Phonology
2. LIN 604 Syntactic Theory or LIN 614 Advanced Syntax
3. LIN 502 Historical Linguistics or LIN 507 Introduction to Semantics
4. One (1) of LIN 505 (Introduction to Phonetics), 507 (Introduction to Semantics), or
557 (Cognitive Linguistics)
5. Two (2) electives
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (24 credits)
1. LIN 505 Introduction to Phonetics
2. ALS 518 The Teaching of English as a Second Language
3. ALS 519 Practicum (4 credits)
4. Two (2) of ALS 517 (Models of Second Language Acquisition), 535 (Psycholinguistics),
538 (Theory and Practice in Language Testing), 574 (Cross-Cultural Communication),
5. One (1) elective
Teaching Language Arts (24 credits)
1. ALS 520 Linguistics and Reading or ALS 538 Theory and Practice in Language
Testing
2. ALS 534 Language Development in Children
3. ALS 535 Psycholinguistics or ALS 518 The Teaching of English as a Second
Language
4. LIN 604 Syntactic Theory or LIN 614 Advanced Syntax
5. Two (2) electives