The Duke Linguistics major is composed of ten courses, eight of which must be at the 100 level or above. The courses combine empirical methods with theory. They are devised to provide depth and breadth in linguistic theory, the different schools of linguistics, the history and development of linguistic thought, and the interdisciplinary aspects of linguistics in the context of languages and cultures.

Majors are required to take Linguistics 101 (Introduction to Linguistics) and 102 (Languages of the World), which define the fundamental questions of linguistic theory in the context of the world's languages.

In the junior or senior year majors must take the capstone course, Linguistics 215S, Junior/Senior Seminar in Linguistics which adds cohesion to the major.

NOTE: The Junior/Senior Seminar is offered every two years, on even years, i.e. 2008, 20010, 20012.  For those planning to graduate with honors, Juniors can use this course to find a topic for their thesis and Seniors can use this course for writing their thesis.  

Majors are also required to take two semesters in a foreign language other than English at or above the 100 level is also required.

From a menu of optional courses, the student is required to take three theory courses providing the necessary theoretical and empirical constructs for the study of linguistics.  Two disciplinary courses are also required in one of the concentrations in a specific area of linguistics.

To receive a minor in Linguistics at Duke, the student must complete five courses in Linguistics, three of which must be at the 100 level or above. Usually two of these courses are LINGUIST 101 and LINGUIST 102.

 Students should meet with their advisors for other course options not listed that might qualify towards the Linguistics major. Students may petition to add courses to the theory and disciplinary courses.  For general requirements for graduation please see T-Reqs policy.

Please go to the Undergraduate Plan of Study for more information about courses and the checklist.

For the University's description of Linguistics courses, link to Duke University Undergraduate Courses Bulletin .

Honors Program

For information on graduating with honors, please see Trinity College of Arts & Sciences-Academics web site. Please note that the deadline for submitting the final copy of the thesis is April 10.

Duke offers the opportunity to submit poster presentations of individual thesis at the annual Visible Thinking event in the Bryant Center in April, sponsored by the Undergraduate Research Support Office.

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions about the Linguistics major at Duke.

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