Linguistics

Concentrations

Concentrations

Brown Linguistics offers AB and ScB Concentrations in Linguistics.

We offer two concentrations in linguistics. The AB is best suited for people who would like to know a lot about linguistics, but are also keen on exploring other domains. Many of our AB concentrators double-concentrate in linguistics and another domain. The ScB is best suited for students who would like to take many classes in linguistics and complement them with directly-supporting classes in areas such as cognitive science, computer science, or philosophy. We also welcome in our classes students who do not have enough time to add linguistics as a concentration.

The technical version of this information is available in the University Bulletin. Please contact Uriel Cohen Priva, Director of Undergraduate Studies for more information about concentrating in Linguistics.

AB in Linguistics

The AB is ten classes that fall into the following categories:

  1. Introduction to Linguistics (1), which is a prerequisite for all our 1000-level courses. 
  2. A breadth requirement (4), that requires students to take a class in each of Phonology / Phonology, Syntax, Semantics / Pragmatics, and Language Variation. 
  3. Five electives (5), additional appropriate electives forming a thematically related set (to be determined in consultation with the Concentration Advisor). At least one of these must be drawn from the list of advanced and methods courses listed below. No more than 2 of these courses may be drawn from below 1000 level courses. Every linguistics course offered by the Linguistics Program counts. Electives may also be drawn from courses in other departments and programs in consultation with the Concentration Advisor.

Honors

Requires taking two more classes and writing an honors thesis. One of the additional classes is normally a directed research class. Three of the classes must qualify as an advanced class in linguistics.

ScB in Linguistics

One of three main pathways, but other personalized independent pathways are possible:

  • Language, Computation, and Information
  • Language, Mind, and Brain
  • Meaning and Logic

The ScB is 16 classes that fall into the following categories:

  1. Introduction to Linguistics (1), which is a prerequisite for all our 1000-level courses. 
  2. A breadth requirement (4), that requires students to take a class in each of Phonology / Phonology, Syntax, Semantics / Pragmatics, and Language Variation. 
  3. Three electives (3) that are related to the pathway (e.g. Semantics and Logic classes for the Meaning and Logic pathway). 
  4. Four non-linguistics classes (4) that are related to the pathway (e.g. Neuroscience classes for the Language, Mind, and Brain pathway). 
  5. Two additional electives that are not related to the pathway (2). 
  6. A capstone course (1), in which students perform independent (but directed) research.

Honors

Requires taking two more classes and writing an honors thesis. One of the additional classes is normally a directed research class. Three of the classes must qualify as an advanced class in linguistics. Requires taking two more classes and writing an honors thesis. One of the additional classes is normally a directed research class. Three of the classes must qualify as an advanced class in linguistics.

Additional Information

Courses

The Brown Program in Linguistics offers a range of courses across different areas of Linguistics.

People

The Brown Linguistics community is made up of core faculty, staff, visiting professors and postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students and affiliate faculty.