Develops conceptual tools for understanding the nature and the processes of language: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. Personal and professional attitudes toward the world of language are reexamined.

Computational linguistics is a broad field incorporating research and techniques for processing language with computers at all levels of linguistic structure. Students will become familiar with computational fundamentals, methods, topics and tasks; they will study techniques used to model natural language, analyze linguistic phenomena using modern methods, and survey research literature and industry applications. No programming experience is necessary. Typically offered: Spring, Alternate Years.

We typically communicate by using language, where communicating involves conveying meaning. But what is meaning? And what is a language? Philosophy of language examines these and related issues, such as: in virtue of what do words, or names, refer to objects or to persons? How do we mean more than what we literally say? Related topics include theories of meaning and reference, the distinction between semantics and pragmatics, and the variety of speech acts. May also cover recent work on metaphor and non-literal speech, pejoratives, or the language and power of propagandistic speech. Typically offered: Autumn.

A thorough study of sound systems and processes, with problem-solving experience in the analysis of English and other languages.

A thorough study of word structures and processes, with problem-solving experience in the analysis of English and other languages.

Presents an intensive study of the research literature so that students will become familiar with recent findings on the acquisition of a second language and with the research process.

Teaches research methods in applied linguistics, emphasizing the concepts and procedures of quantitative and qualitative. Covers descriptive statistics, issues of validity and reliability, data collection and analysis, and research designs. Prepares students to critically evaluate research articles and to develop an original research proposal.

An overview of the theoretical paradigms of second language learning and teaching; definition and evaluation of communicative competence; strategies for teaching skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing; selection and development of instructional materials.

Provides an intensive investigation into contemporary English sentence structures through the application of current syntactic theory. Basic rule making and rule testing are examined in English.

Looks more closely at how language is influenced by context, including social, cultural, psychological, geographical, and political factors. This interdisciplinary course draws from sociology, anthropology, and linguistics.

Surveys state of the art computational linguistics approaches and natural language processing systems such as parsers, embeddings, topic models, language models, speech recognizers, machine translators, and dialog systems. Develops an understanding of programming techniques that process and model natural language and apply them to analysis in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Deepens mastery of computational tools for linguistic analysis and text processing through project work. Typically offered: Spring, Alternate Years.

Examines Anglo-Saxon, Middle, and modern forms of English in historical development and individual language systems. Includes phonology, morphology, syntax, and some discussion of the relationships of each language stage to literary expression during its era. Typically offered: Alternate Years.

Encourages recollection and reflection on previous coursework in linguistics, language and cultural studies, integration of knowledge with the student's own faith commitment, and further pursuit of an area of scholarly interest to the student, culminating in the senior paper.

Student works independently with a faculty member on a mutually agreed upon topic.

Directed Readings

Tutorial Practicum

Provides opportunity for practical application of linquistics.

Selected topics in Linguistics.

Selected Topics in Linguistics.