Linguistics (AA Degree A0986)

Humanities and Social Sciences Division
World Languages Department

The goal of the Associate of Arts in Linguistics is to provide students with a strong foundation in the study of language.  Students in this program will examine aspects of language structure, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, and will explore topics stemming from sociolinguistics and historical linguistics in order to evaluate language variation and change.  Overall, the program imparts comprehensive knowledge of core linguistic principles and encourages the appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity. 
The degree will integrate with the study of foreign languages, the humanities, ethnic studies, and social justice, allowing students to embrace a broader understanding of language and its socio-cultural significance.  Appreciating the human experience of language and acknowledging the political forces that drive its development will provide students with cultural competencies vital for succeeding in an ever-evolving, diverse, and global society.  Finally, the study of linguistics promotes awareness of how language shapes identity and social dynamics, fostering inclusivity and effective communication in multicultural societies.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
LING 1Introduction to Linguistic Analysis3
LING 4Introduction to World Languages3
Select 8 Units of Sequential Courses in One Language:8
Elementary Arabic
Continuing Elementary Arabic
Elementary Chinese
Continuing Elementary Chinese
Intermediate Chinese
Continuing Intermediate Chinese
Elementary French
Continuing Elementary French
Intermediate French
Continuing Intermediate French
Elementary German
Continuing Elementary German
Intermediate German
Elementary Italian
Continuing Elementary Italian
Intermediate Italian
Continuing Intermediate Italian
Elementary Korean
Continuing Elementary Korean
Intermediate Korean
Continuing Intermediate Korean
Elementary Latin
Elementary Latin - Honors
Continuing Elementary Latin
Continuing Elementary Latin - Honors
Elementary Japanese
Continuing Elementary Japanese
Intermediate Japanese
Continuing Intermediate Japanese
Advanced Japanese
American Sign Language 1
American Sign Language 1 - Honors
American Sign Language 2
American Sign Language 3
American Sign Language 4
American Sign Language 5
Elementary Spanish
Spanish for the Spanish Speaking
Continuing Elementary Spanish
Continuing Spanish for the Spanish Speaking
Intermediate Spanish
Continuing Intermediate Spanish
Select Six Units from the following List:6
Languages, Gender, and Power
Languages, Cultures, and Writing in East Asia
Language, Context, and Data
Latin and Greek in Modern Language and Science
Introduction to Logic
Introduction to Logic - Honors
Total Units20
Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program students should be able to:

  • Identify the phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic components of language. Students will recognize and apply linguistic notions pertaining to sounds, words, grammar, and meaning.
  • Examine language change and linguistic reconstruction of language families.  Students will illustrate principles of linguistic change and apply the comparative method to reconstruct language families. 
  • Assess the significance of context and culture in relation to language. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of pragmatics and culture as it pertains to language.
  • Evaluate the role and use of language in society. Students will examine social aspects of language, analyzing the role played by politics, education, gender, and group identity.
  • ​Interrogate the correlation between language, cognition, and environment.  Students will explore interdisciplinary approaches to the origin of language, language acquisition, and the human nature of languages.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

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