Areas of Study and Degrees
Linguistics
M.A.
Humanities
M.A., M.A.T.


Master's Degree Plans
Thesis, Thesis Substitute and Non-Thesis

Program Director
Jerold A. Edmondson
408 Hammond, 817-272-3133

Graduate Advisor
Irwin Feigenbaum
226 Hammond, 817-272-3133

Graduate Faculty
Professor
Edmondson

Associate Professors
Burquest, Feigenbaum, Herring

Assistant Professors
Paolillo, Silva

Adjunct Professors
Grimes, Headland, G. Huttar, Merrifield, Pike, Rensch, Robbins

Adjunct Associate Professors
Franklin, Gregerson, Hwang

Adjunct Assistant Professors
Boothe, Bowling, Bruce, del Aguila, Diehl, Gallman, Hohulin, M. Huttar, Larson, Leaders, McElhanon, C. McKinney, N. McKinney, Moore, Morgan, Morren, Reed, Simons, Turnbull, Walter, Wendell, L. Yost, W. Yost

Professor Emeritus
Longacre

Objectives

Linguistics, the systematic study of human language, is situated at the crossroads of the humanities, the social sciences, and the physical sciences. The program in linguistics at The University of Texas at Arlington provides comprehensive training in methods of linguistic analysis, as informed by current linguistic theory and data from a variety of languages. Students receive instruction in the analysis of sound systems (phonetics and phonology) and grammar (morphology and syntax); in addition, the program has strengths in field linguistics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, literacy, translation and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). Linguistic science has applications in language learning and teaching, literary analysis and criticism, psychology, communication, anthropology, philosophy, neurology, sociology, speech recognition and synthesis, and artificial intelligence. Graduates of the program may find employment in fieldwork and field program administration, international affairs and development, literacy consultation and language planning, language technology, research, teaching, translation and other fields.

The master's degree provides broad-based training in the core areas of linguistics as well as firsthand experience working with geographically diverse, often previously undocumented languages. Optionally, students may specialize in the application of linguistics to teaching English to speakers of other languages.

SPECIAL NOTE: The Program in Linguistics has applied for authorization to grant a Ph.D. degree. If approved, this program will provide advanced training in field linguistics and linguistic computing and experience in presenting original research in professional venues. Students will be expected to develop in-depth expertise in two or more areas of specialization. For information on the status of the proposed Ph.D. Program in Linguistics, contact the Graduate Advisor or consult the program's Web site at: http://ling.uta.edu

Degree Requirements

Graduate programs in linguistics are primarily designed for those with a background in one or more foreign languages and/or a background in the linguistic aspects of the English language, but others who are willing to fulfill the listed prerequisites are invited to apply. Candidates must present the following prerequisite undergraduate coursework: articulatory phonetics, phonology, grammar and grammatical analysis.

Requirements for master's and Ph.D. degrees are given in the Advanced Degrees and Requirements section of this catalog. In addition, the following apply to linguistics students:

All M.A. students take the core courses in linguistics. Also, they demonstrate analytical knowledge of the linguistic structure of a non-Western language.
M.A. Thesis Degree Plan: 24 hours coursework plus one hour thesis writing course (LING 5100) plus six hours thesis credit (LING 5698).
M.A. Thesis Substitute Degree Plan: 30 hours coursework plus one hour thesis writing course (LING 5100) plus three hours thesis substitute credit (LING 5392) plus written examination plus oral defense of the thesis substitute.
M.A. Non-Thesis Degree Plan: 36 hours coursework plus comprehensive written examination on the coursework.
All Ph.D. students demonstrate knowledge of core areas of linguistics by passing a preliminary examination within their first 18 hours of enrollment in the Ph.D. program. In addition, there is a foreign languages requirement and a professional activities requirement.
Ph.D. Degree Plan: 12 hours foundation coursework plus 18 hours support coursework plus three hours dissertation proposal and comprehensive examination (LING 6391) plus nine hours dissertation (LING 6999).

For additional information on prerequisites or degree requirements, consult the Graduate Advisor.

Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This program provides preparation—through study and practice —for the individual who wishes to teach English to speakers of other languages. It is available to any student who has been admitted to the Graduate School at U.T. Arlington.

The Certificate requires 18 hours of coursework: LING 5300, 5317, 5327, 5353, 5354, and 5355 or 5356. In addition to the coursework, there is a practicum; this is done under LING 5153. LING 5300 (or equivalent linguistics coursework) is a prerequisite for LING 5317, 5327, and 5353; LING 5353 is a prerequisite for LING 5354, 5355, and 5356. Even if the student presents an equivalency of LING 5300, 5353, and/or other coursework, the 18-hour requirement must be met. A maximum of three credit hours of coursework done at another institution can be transferred and counted toward the Certificate.

Upon beginning study for the Certificate, the student should contact the Graduate Advisor in Linguistics to declare the intention to earn the Certificate.

The International Linguistics Center

(The Summer Institute of Linguistics)

The International Linguistics Center in Dallas (near Duncanville) and The University of Texas at Arlington offer cooperatively a program in linguistic training and research. This program leads to the MA and the Ph.D. degree at U.T. Arlington. Participants must apply for admission to U.T. Arlington.

Persons who wish to pursue the program at ILC but who are not eligible for admission to U.T. Arlington may make arrangements with ILC.

Registration is administered by U.T. Arlington on campus. Students may take the courses on either or both campuses. Refer to the semester Schedule of Classes for location of courses.

The grade of R (research in progress) is a permanent grade; it cannot be changed by completing course requirements in a later semester. To receive credit for an R-graded course, the student must continue to enroll in the course until a passing grade is received.
An incomplete grade (the grade of X) cannot be given in a course that is graded R, nor can the grade of R be given in a course that is graded X. To receive credit for a course in which the student earned an X, the student must complete the course requirements no later than mid-semester of the next semester (excluding summer). A grade of X cannot be changed by enrolling again in the course in which an X was earned. An incomplete grade that is not removed by the specified deadline will be automatically converted to an F. (See the Graduate School calendar for specific deadlines.)
Three-hour thesis courses and three- and six-hour dissertation courses are graded R/F/W only (except social work thesis courses). The grade of P (required for degree completion for students enrolled in thesis or dissertation programs) can be earned only in six- or nine-hour thesis courses and nine-hour dissertation courses. In the course listings below, R-graded courses are designated either "Graded P/F/R" or "Graded R." Occasionally, the valid grades for a course change. Students should consult the appropriate Graduate Advisor or instructor for valid grade information for particular courses. (See also the sections titled "R" Grade, Credit for Research, Internship, Thesis or Dissertation Courses and Incomplete Grade in this catalog.)

Linguistics (LING)

5100. THESIS WRITING SEMINAR (1-0). Graded P/F only. Techniques for researching and writing a thesis/dissertation in linguistics. Required of all students who have elected the Thesis or Thesis Substitute degree option in Linguistics.

5153. CERTIFICATE IN TESOL PRACTICUM (1-0). Graded P/F only. In observing ESOL classes or in teaching learners of ESOL, the student demonstrates ability to apply the principles presented in the TESOL Certificate coursework. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

5190. CONFERENCE COURSE IN LINGUISTICS (1-0). Graded P/F/R. Prerequisite: permission of Graduate Advisor.

5300. LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS (3-0). An overview of the study of human language from a linguistic perspective. Topics covered may include the analysis of language structures, the study of language in social contexts, the principles governing language change, and the application of linguistic analysis to language teaching, literary studies, literacy, and translation. May not be used to fulfill the MA degree requirements in linguistics.

5301. PHONOLOGICAL THEORY I (3-0). Explores the principles governing sound systems in human languages.

5303. GRAMMATICAL THEORY I (3-0). Explores grammatical systems in human languages. May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

5304. PHONOLOGICAL THEORY II (3-0). A continuation of LING 5301. Topics include autosegmental analysis, lexical phonology, metrical phonology and phonological feature geometry. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: LING 5301.

5305. FIELD METHODS (3-0). The principles, techniques and practical aspects of linguistic field research. The course includes extensive practice in eliciting data (phonological, morpho-syntactic, textual and lexical) directly from a native speaker, as well as in managing, analyzing and describing the data obtained.

5306. GRAMMATICAL THEORY II (3-0). A continuation of LING 5303. Taught alternately as government and binding theory, functional-typological grammar, discourse grammar, and other current theoretical approaches. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: LING 5303.

5307. TOPICS IN LINGUISTICS, LITERACY, AND LANGUAGE TEACHING (3-0).

5308. TOPICS IN SOCIOLINGUISTICS (3-0). Selected topics relating the scientific methodologies of linguistics to larger concerns of society and culture including cognition, motivation, description and analysis. May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

5309. LANGUAGE USE IN MULTILINGUAL SOCIETIES (3-0). An overview of linguistics and some of its applications, with primary focus on language use in developing nations. May not be used to fulfill the MA degree requirements in linguistics.

5310. ACOUSTIC PHONETICS (3-0). An investigation into the physical properties of human speech. Students will gain hands-on experience with computer-assisted speech analysis. No prior computer experience is assumed.

5311. PRINCIPLES OF TRANSLATION I (3-0). Theory and procedures in cross-language transfer with emphasis on basic linguistic notions such as form vs. meaning, multiple senses, and types of lexical equivalences and sociolinguistic factors involved in idiomatic translation. Prerequisite: LING 5303, or permission of the instructor. May not apply toward degree requirements if LING 5336 and ANTH 3322 are applied.

5312. MORPHOLOGY (3-0). A theoretical and typological investigation into the nature of word-structure and word-formation processes in human languages.

5313. LANGUAGE UNIVERSALS AND LINGUISTIC TYPOLOGY (3-0). Consideration of universals in human language, their explanation and description, and language types.

5316. SOCIOLINGUISTICS OF SOCIETY (3-0). The study of macro-sociolinguistics, including topics such as multilingualism, language standardization and planning, literacy, language dominance, maintenance and death, language and identity, diglossia, and pidgins and creoles.

5317. SOCIOLINGUISTICS (3-0). The study of language in its social context, including topics such as linguistic variation, address and reference, speech levels, bilingualism, code switching, speech acts, conversational analysis, and language and gender.

5318. LANGUAGE AND GENDER (3-0). The role of language in the expression and creation of gender identities. Gender differences in language structure and use, men's and women's languages in other cultures, the acquisition of gendered ways of speaking, and sexism in language.

5320. HISTORICAL AND COMPARATIVE LINGUISTICS (3-0). The study of language development and change; comparative method and its use in linguistic reconstruction; laws of language change.

5327. LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (3-0). Study of the processes of first and second language acquisition, their similarities and differences, language disorders, language perception and production, and implications of language acquisition research for linguistic theory and language teaching.

5330. THE COMPUTER AND NATURAL LANGUAGE (3-0). Applications of computers to linguistic analysis, and applications of linguistic analysis to computing. Topics may include natural language processing, speech recognition and synthesis, language prostheses, statistical analysis, text processing, and corpus analysis.

5332. SURVEY OF LINGUISTIC THEORIES (3-0). A comparison and contrast of various linguistic theories, with consideration of their assumptions and problem-solving capacities.

5333. READINGS IN LINGUISTICS (3-0). May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

5336. PRINCIPLES OF LITERACY (3-0). Principles involved in the introduction of literacy to preliterate societies. Includes consideration of motivational factors, stimulation of indigenous authorship, orthography design, elements of reading methodology and alternative strategies for literacy programs. May not apply toward degree requirements if LING 5311 and SOCI 5342 are applied.

5338. READING THEORY AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS (3-0). Survey of reading theory with practical application to preparation of literary materials for preliterate societies. Focuses on specific linguistic and psycholinguistic factors involved. Prerequisites: LING 5301.

5339. SOCIOLINGUISTIC ASPECTS OF LANGUAGE PROGRAMS (3-0). Survey of the linguistic and social factors involved in the development of language programs for preliterate speakers of vernacular languages. Special attention given to the effect of using the mother tongue and/or a second language in such programs, and accompanying measurement and documentation.

5340. NON-WESTERN LINGUISTIC STRUCTURES (3-0). Study of a selected non-Western language, language family or language area based on descriptive linguistic analysis. May be repeated once for credit as the topic varies.

5342. READINGS IN NON-WESTERN LINGUISTIC STRUCTURES (3-0). May not be used to fulfill the non-Western language requirement. Prerequisite: LING 5340 or equivalent.

5345. SEMANTICS (3-0). Considers meaning with respect to how humans form concepts in terms of semantic features, categorization, prototype imaging, cultural scenes, scripting and coherence within world views.

5346. SPOKEN DISCOURSE (3-0). Techniques for collecting, transcribing, and analyzing conversation and other forms of spoken communication. Topics may include discourse prosody, turn-taking and exchange structure, interactional sociolinguistics, discourse in oral cultures, and cross-cultural communication.

5348. TEXT ANALYSIS (3-0). Methods of charting and analyzing texts to reveal the systematic contributions of pragmatic choices to their organization and meaning. Prerequisite: LING 5303.

5353. TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE (3-0). Presentation and critique of methodologies of teaching English to speakers of other languages, with emphasis on techniques of teaching aural comprehension; speaking, reading, and writing skills; attention to testing, language laboratory, and linguistic-cultural differences. Prerequisite: introductory course in linguistics or permission of instructor.

5354. METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE (3-0). Systematic study of the application of linguistic theory and findings; emphasis on pedagogical strategies, materials, and tests; attention to current and past research and practices. Prerequisite: LING 5353.

5355. CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS AND ERROR ANALYSIS IN THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE (3-0). A study of contrastive analysis and error analysis as means of defining student problems and progress; emphasis on current research; application to specific problems and contexts. Prerequisite: LING 5353.

5356. PEDAGOGICAL GRAMMAR OF ENGLISH (3-0). Grammaticality, variation, and acceptability applied to teaching English as a second or foreign language. Problems of description; means of application; adaptation to current pedagogical methods. Prerequisite: LING 5353.

5391. CONFERENCE COURSE IN LINGUISTICS. Graded P/F/R. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

5392. THESIS SUBSTITUTE (3-0). Graded P/F/R.

5398, 5698, 5998. THESIS. 5398 graded R/F only; 5698 and 5998 graded P/F/R. Prerequisite: permission of Graduate Advisor.

6310. SEMINAR IN LINGUISTICS (3-0). Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.