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Linguistic Studies http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/linguistics/ Director, 2000-01: Dana Gross, Psychology Faculty, 2000-01: Jan Allister, English; Carolyn Anderson, Sociology/Anthropology; Susan Bauer, Interdisciplinary Fine Arts; Maggie Broner, Spanish; Anne H. Groton, Classics; Vicki Lynn Harper, Philosophy; Christine Lac, English, French; James M. May, Classics; Steve Reece, Classics; Matthew Richey, Mathematics; Marc Robinson, Russian; Karen Sawyer, English; Bonnie S. Sherman, Psychology; Gary Stansell, Religion; Howard Thorsheim, Psychology; Karen Peterson Wilson, Communication and Theater; Solveig Zempel,Norwegian Because language is so fundamental to everything that we do, an understanding of linguistics is part of a well rounded liberal arts education. In addition, the study of linguistics prepares students for careers and advanced work in fields such as anthropology, business, communications, computer science, education, English as a second language (ESL), foreign languages, journalism, neuroscience, speech and hearing sciences, philosophy, psychology, and other fields requiring analytical, communication, and research skills. Studying linguistics will enhance your understanding of how language is organized and how it functions. The Linguistic Studies program offers a concentration that encompasses a wide variety of disciplines and perspectives on language. With a concentration in Linguistic Studies, you will have the opportunity to explore the interdisciplinary nature of the study of language and linguistics as well as interact with and learn from others with similar interests. OVERVIEW OF THE CONCENTRATION Linguistic Studies encompasses all areas related to the scientific study of the nature, structure, and function of language. Linguistic Studies treats language both as a fundamental human faculty and as a changing social institution. The field of linguistics includes the relationship between language and logic, the underlying structures of the brain, social implications of language, language acquisition (including bilingualism and second-language acquisition), psychology of language, philosophy of language, dialects and dialectology, language and literature, the history and development of specific language families, human-machine interaction, artificial intelligence, and global communication and understanding. REQUIREMENTS OF THE CONCENTRATION The Linguistic Studies concentration consists of a minimum of five courses: (1) English 274, English Language and Linguistics; (2) three approved departmental offerings at any level (with the requirement that students take no more than two of these three courses within the same department); and (3) one approved Level III seminar. Students wishing to receive concentration credit through Independent Study, Independent Research, or Internships should consult with the director of Linguistic Studies. SPECIAL PROGRAMS In addition to the courses you may take, you can gain experience in the field and pursue special areas of interest in several ways. Full-time internships may be arranged during Interim. Internship possibilities include working in bilingual education, language immersion, or ESL programs in schools; assisting in language research laboratories; and exploring the world of publishing. Internships are valuable for confirming one's academic interest in Linguistic Studies, learning new skills and gaining paraprofessional field experience (a real asset on the job market). Independent study and research projects, usually completed during the junior or senior year, allow students to explore topics in greater depth than is possible in a regular course. In recent years, topics have included the study of American Sign Language, Spanish language immersion programs at the elementary school level, and the translation of psychological tests. Students may also pursue their study of linguistics through off-campus coursework in conjunction with St. Olaf's Off-Campus and International Studies programs in locations as diverse as France, Germany, Russia, Spain, Norway, Scotland, England, Tanzania, and the People's Republic of China. APPROVED COURSES See descriptions in department listings REQUIRED COURSE English 274 English Language and Linguistics OTHER APPROVED COURSES Communication and Theater 200 Voice and Phonetics Other courses may be approved in consultation with the director of Linguistic Studies. |