English Language and Linguistics

Program Description

The English department offers MA and PhD degrees with an emphasis in English Language and Linguistics. Introductory classes include the History, Structure, and Dialects of English, and the Principles of Teaching English as a Second Language. Graduate seminars include topics such as Generative Grammar, Sociolinguistics, Discourse Analysis, Linguistic Analysis of Literature, as well as Old and Middle English language and literature. The MA combines courses in English and American literature with linguistics. Students in the PhD program typically combine linguistics with a secondary area such as English and American literature, rhetoric and composition, folk lore, or creative writing. Such combinations result in well-balanced degrees that are attractive to many hiring committees.