Discover the science behind language.
Linguistics isn’t about learning to speak new languages. It’s about uncovering how language works. Our undergraduate courses explore the patterns, systems, and social forces that shape human communication. Whether you’re drawn to sound, meaning, technology, or culture, you’ll find a place to start here.

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LING 110 Intro to Linguistic Analysis
This is the course that opens every door in linguistics. In LING 110, you’ll learn how linguists uncover the hidden rules behind language, from the sounds that make words to the structures that shape meaning. The course introduces all the major subfields of linguistics (phonetics, syntax, semantics, and more) through hands-on data analysis and real-world examples. No previous background required.
Our Courses
Our curriculum offers multiple entry points into the study of language. The 100-level courses are designed for a broad audience and explore contemporary social and cultural issues through the lens of language. These courses don’t require any prior background and introduce students to how linguists think about communication, identity, and human interaction. The 200-level and higher courses form the core of the major and minor, providing a more technical foundation in areas like syntax, phonology, and semantics. These advanced courses build on LING 110: Intro to Linguistic Analysis, the gateway course that equips students with the analytical tools needed for deeper study in linguistics.
Featured Courses - Spring 2026
Check out some of our featured courses for the upcoming Spring 2026 semester. For a full and updated list of Linguistics courses, explore our course catalog.

LING 107 Language and Landscape: Water is Life
Water is on track to be the most pressing environmental issue in the upcoming decades. But beyond its physical substance, what is water? How do we understand its value in our lives? Who controls it? This course will focus on the language and landscape of water, its geography and physical presence...
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LING 110 Intro to Linguistic Analysis
This course introduces students to the study of the structure of human language. We will cover the six core areas of linguistic investigation: Phonetics (articulation, acoustics, and perception of speech sounds), Phonology (sound patterns), Morphology (internal structure of words...
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LING 228/428 Lexical Semantics
In this course we investigate the study of word-meaning in current linguistics and cognitive science. We examine the meanings of lexical items such as verbs, nouns, adjectives, and prepositions, and also other categories of words, including various function words and discourse particles. We examine...
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For more information about the Department of Linguistics, our programs, our research, or our courses, send us an email.