We really like Pitzer’s linguistic programs and would like to explore schools with a similar focus. We’re also looking at schools with a 3-language major like Univ of Delaware.
Thanks!
I’ve explored a lot of linguistics programs with my D18 and may be able to help. What do you like about Pitzer’s linguistics program?
Regarding a three language major, take a look at Earlham’s Comparative Languages and Linguistics program.
http://earlham.edu/academics/programs/comparative-languages-and-linguistics/
1 Like
Pitzer’s linguistics program appears to cover topics such as phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics and language acquisition. In a general sense, this area of study can be considered to be a subfield of cultural anthropology. You may, then, want to consider other colleges with broad anthropology offerings. In terms of liberal arts colleges, look primarily to those at which sociology and anthropology are maintained as separate departments.
Regarding the study of multiple languages, it’s quite possible to major in “foreign languages” (or a variant thereof) at a number of colleges.
Linguistics is an interdisciplinary field and a low-demand major. I love LACs but IMO it is best supported at rather large (or selective and well-endowed) universities; otherwise there simply isn’t enough critical mass (or funding) to keep a good program going. However, some small schools leverage relationships between linguistics and other fields, or relationships with neighboring colleges, to compensate for their own size/funding/demand limitations. Depending on your interests, you may see courses you like not only in anthropology/sociology but also in CS, psychology, philosophy, or foreign language departments. At Pitzer’s neighbor, Pomona, linguistics is a minor in the “Linguistics and Cognitive Science” program. Different departments will have different orientations (some leaning more towards anthro, others more toward cognitive science).
Regardless, any good undergraduate program should offer introductions at least to the major subfields @merc81 mentions (“phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics”). A few LACs may offer as many as ~10-15 courses covering those areas ~exclusively (or more if you include courses that cover them in combination with other subjects). Check out Swarthmore, Pomona, Carleton, Reed, Macalester, Barnard (women only). Make sure the courses you want are offered regularly (by checking the online schedules as well as the course catalog descriptions).
A stronger program also will cover historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, applied linguistics (possibly including language acquisition, language instruction, speech pathology), and computational linguistics. You’re very unlikely to get all that at any LAC or even at very many research universities. Swarthmore students may be able to take courses at UPenn, which for many years has had one of the strongest linguistics departments in the country (in sociolinguistics and other areas). Other research universities with strong programs include UCLA, Berkeley, Michigan, UMCP, UMass-Amherst; MIT, Stanford, UChicago, CMU, Georgetown.
I suggest first narrowing down the kind of school you want (irrespective of major) in terms of location, size, selectivity, and net cost. Then, among maybe ~20 schools that fit those general criteria, check out the linguistics course listings, faculty bios/CVs, etc. Pitzer seems to cover the basics, at least, and in partnership w/neighboring Pomona, it may be among your better LAC options.
1 Like
Agreed. Moreover. linguistics makes for a superb pre law major, as it is all about language analysis, writing and critical reading. FBI and CIA also love linguistics majors, especially when accompanied by foreign language study.
Excellent post by @tk21769 as usual. I agree with virtually everything above and will only add that Cornell and Harvard are also excellent places for linguistics (in particular, they’re 2 of the top 3 schools for Indo-European linguistics). USC has developed a very strong program as well.
1 Like
Incredibly helpful, thank you @tk21769 ! Another school we just started looking at is UIUC. We’re relocating to Chicago in the next year, either summer 2018 or December 2018. I’m checking on residency requirements for in-state tuition, but it looks like as long as we are there by the time she applies, she qualifies. We were a little concerned about finding an in-state safety since we are moving.
1 Like