Linguistics

The scientific discipline of linguistics emerged in the twentieth century.

It is distinguished from earlier approaches to language chiefly by its focus on spoken and signed language as well as written, and by its emphasis on describing actual language as it is used rather than prescribing what is correct and proper.  In pursuing these aims a set of rigorous methods and an extensive technical vocabulary have been devised. Spoken language is a complex system of organized sound, and any adequate analysis requires precision and detail at several levels.

Students may earn a minor in LING or use Linguistics as a concentration for the Integrative Studies degree completing 12 hours of upper-division credit in Linguistics.

More about Linguistics

UM-Dearborn Linguistics faculty focus on sociolinguistics and the structure, history, and social functions of the English language in contact with other languages, drawing on the methods and theoretical insights of the World Englishes approach.

The Linguistics Discipline offers courses contributing to the following programs:  the ESL Endorsement Certificate (College of Education, Health, and Human Services), the Language Arts Education major (College of Education, Health, and Human Services), the English with Secondary Education major (CASL and College of Education, Health, and Human Services), the English Language and Literature major (CASL), and the Linguistics minor (CASL). Linguistics courses also fulfill the role of cognates within certain CASL majors.

Degree Requirements

Students may earn a minor in Linguistics or use Linguistics as a concentration for the Integrative Studies degree by completing 12 hours of upper-division credit in Linguistics. Basic and upper-level courses are offered, some of which are cross-listed with English (ENGL), African and African American Studies (AAAS), Anthropology (ANTH) or Psychology (PSYC). Secondary education students seeking certification in English are required to take an introductory course in Linguistics as well as Modern English Grammar. Students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement Program are required to take 15 credit hours of Linguistics courses, including three required (Concepts in Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, and Second Language Acquisition: English) and two electives.

Linguistics 3-year plan

Learn more about CASL Degree Requirements.