Because language is so fundamental to everything that we do, an understanding of linguistics is part of a well-rounded liberal arts education. In addition, the study of linguistics prepares students for careers and advanced work in fields such as anthropology, business, communications, computer science, education, English as a second language (ESL), world languages, journalism, neuroscience, speech and hearing sciences, philosophy, psychology, and other fields requiring analytical, communication, and research skills. Studying linguistics enhances a student's understanding of how language is organized and how it functions. The applied linguistics program offers a concentration that encompasses a wide variety of disciplines and perspectives on language. With a concentration in applied linguistics, students have the opportunity to explore the interdisciplinary nature of the study of language and linguistics as well as interact with and learn from others with similar interests.
Overview of the Concentration
Applied linguistics encompasses all areas related to the scientific study of the nature, structure, and function of language. Applied linguistics treats language both as a fundamental human faculty and as a changing social institution. The field of linguistics includes the relationship between language and logic, the underlying structures of the brain, social implications of language, language acquisition (including bilingualism and second-language acquisition), psychology of language, philosophy of language, dialects and dialectology, language and literature, the history and development of specific language families, human-machine interaction, artificial intelligence, and global communication and understanding.
Special Programs
In addition to taking courses, students can gain experience in the field and pursue special areas of interest in several ways. Full-time internships may be arranged during January term. Internship possibilities include working in bilingual education, language immersion, or ESL programs in schools; assisting in language research laboratories; and exploring the world of publishing. Internships are valuable for confirming one’s academic interest in applied linguistics, learning new skills, and gaining paraprofessional field experience.
Independent study and research projects, usually completed during the junior or senior year, allow students to explore topics in greater depth than is possible in a regular course. In recent years, topics have included the study of American sign language, Spanish language immersion programs at the elementary school level, and the translation of psychological tests.
Students may also pursue their study of linguistics through off-campus coursework in conjunction with St. Olaf’s study abroad and away programs in locations as diverse as England, France, Germany, Norway, the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Scotland, Spain, and Tanzania.
LNGST 245: Roles of Language in the Context of Equity and Diversity
Why is language-based discrimination unnoticed and widely justified? This course explores roles of language in society with respect to equity and diversity by using the notion of language ideologies and language practices for negotiating identities. Students connect recent scholarship on language ideology and practices to their daily experiences. The course format is a combination of lectures, small group/class discussions, student presentations, and examination of multimedia. Offered periodically.
Prerequisite: LNGST 250.
LNGST 250: English Language and Linguistics
Students learn about and analyze the English language, beginning with the building blocks of language: morphology, syntax, semantics, and phonetics/phonology. Students also explore the ways humans acquire language, social and geographical influences on English, and major changes during the history of the English language. The course serves as an introduction to the applied linguistics concentration and fulfills the linguistics requirement of the Communication Arts and Literature license.
Prerequisite: WRIT 120 or equivalent.
LNGST 294: Academic Internship
LNGST 298: Independent Study
LNGST 301: Germanic Multiethnolects-A Story of Birth
"Multiethnolects" is a collective term for urban contact languages that develop in multiethnic neighborhoods. Students learn to analyze the language structure of multiethnolects, the role of language in social groups, and how people express their identities through language. They also investigate perspectives on multiethnolects from outside the speech community, e.g., how attitudes towards "non-standard" languages influence public debates, and how those debates on language are used as a battleground for resistance against societal change. Offered periodically in the spring semester. Also counts toward the German and Norwegian majors. Also counts toward the German studies and Nordic studies concentrations.
Prerequisite: LNGST 250 or equivalent.
LNGST 394: Academic Internship
LNGST 396: Directed Undergraduate Research
This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may relate to his/her research interests. Offered based on department decision. May be offered as a 1.00 credit course or .50 credit course.
Prerequisite: determined by individual instructor.
LNGST 398: Independent Research
Independent research is offered for students dedicated to an in-depth research experience. In conjunction with a faculty supervisor, a student conceives and performs a research project leading to the production of a major piece of work such as a research paper or poster presentation. Independent research requires permission of a supervisor and completion of an independent research form available at the Registrar's Office or its Web site.
Other Approved Courses
ASIAN 126 Language in Japanese Society
ASIAN 244 Language and Race in Japan and USA
ASIAN 282 Second Language Acquisition and Pedagogy in an Asian Context
CSCI 121 Principles of Computer Science / PHYS 130 Analytical Physics I or CSCI 125 Computer Science for Scientists and Mathematicians or CSCI 251 Software Design and Implementation (at most, one of these CSC121/PHYS130, CSC125 or CSCI251)
CSCI 276 Programming Languages
CSCI 333 Theory of Computation
CSCI 379 Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
EDUC 245 Teaching and Learning English Grammar (0.50)
EDUC 250 Second Language Acquisition
EDUC 321 Teaching of Reading, 5-12 (0.50)
EDUC 345 Teaching of Communication Arts/Literature, 5-12
EDUC 348 Assessment of ESL, K-12
EDUC 352 Methods in EAL and World Language Instruction
FREN 272 Contemporary France
FREN 372 Topics in Francophone Studies (only when topic is "Langue, Identité et Politique dans la Littérature Francophone" or "Translation: An Art or Science?")
GERM 272 Turning Points in German History (only when topic is "History of German Migration")
GREEK 231 Intermediate Greek
GREEK 253 New Testament Greek
GREEK 375 Homer and Greek Epic
LATIN 231 Intermediate Latin
LATIN 235 Medieval Latin
LNGST 245 Roles of Language in the Context of Equity and Diversity
LNGST 396 Directed Undergraduate Research
MUSIC 263 Lyric Diction I (0.25) and MUSIC 264 Lyric Diction II (0.25) (must complete both to count as one)
NORW 244 The Sámi: Traditions in Transition
NORW 260 Introduction to Germanic Linguistics
NORW 372 Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture (only when topic is "TV & Språk")
NORW 396 Directed Undergraduate Research (only when topic is "CAT Tools for Norwegian")
NORST 396 Directed Undergraduate Research (only when topic is "No Compromise")
PHIL 231 Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 240 Formal Logic
PHYS 252 Musical Acoustics
PSYCH 222 Psychology of Hearing
PSYCH 237 Cognitive Psychology
PSYCH 339 Cognitive Neuroscience
PSYCH 341 Infant Behavior and Development
PSYCH 393 Advanced Research Collaborations (when topic is Linguistic in nature and in consultation with director)
PSYCH 396 Directed Undergraduate Research (when topic is "Research in Auditory Cognition")
SPAN 270 Spain's Cultural and Linguistic Legacy (study abroad) (when taught by Maggie Broner)
SPAN 274 Contemporary Issues in the Spanish-Speaking World (when taught by Maggie Broner)
SPAN 276 Spanish as a First and Second Language
SPAN 311 Language in Society
Other courses may be approved in consultation with the director of applied linguistics.
