SIL-UND course descriptions

Table of contents

• Course packages
• Explanations of the course listings
• Package A: Language and Linguistics (Introductory package)
• Package B: Linguistic Fieldwork (Intermediate package)
• Advanced Courses
• Literacy Megacourse
• Advanced courses on Signed Languages
• Courses primarily for M.A. students

Course packages

Our courses are grouped in packages based on prerequisites and scheduling considerations. Taking courses in the standard packages works out best for most people. If you take courses in the standard packages and sequences, you will avoid schedule conflicts and problems with prerequisites. In addition the courses in each package cooperate with each other to avoid piling up tests and major assignments on the same day. These packages also make it easier for students to go on to take courses at other SIL schools, if desired, particularly those in North America.

To help you figure out which package is right for you, take a look at our page on Training Tracks for careers with SIL and similar organizations.

Some modifications to the standard packages are possible based on individual interests and prior experience in similar courses, but not all. Students who want to take courses in other than the standard packages should contact the SIL-UND Director for advising.

Explanations of the course listings

Names in [square brackets] are the SIL “standard” name for the course; these names make it easier to identify comparable courses offered by SIL International in other locations.

The descriptions below provide some details not in the official UND academic catalog as well as recent changes approved by the University but not yet published officially.

Contact the SIL-UND Director if you have specific questions.

Return to top of course descriptions

---

Language and Linguistics Package (Introductory Package A)

This is the core package of courses that most students start with; it provides a solid foundation for further advanced study in linguistics, and also is very helpful to people who simply want to live and work in another language community, whether as educators, researchers, community-development workers, or missionaries.

Students have a choice of two phonetics courses, one for spoken languages (Ling 450) and one for signed languages (Ling 455).  The other three courses in Package A (Ling 452, 470, and 480) deal with spoken and signed languages in the same class.

Ling 450: Articulatory Phonetics [Phonetics]
2 semester hours *every summer* (Anita Bickford in 2013)
When learning or working with another language, you have to pay close attention to how the words are pronounced. This course introduces you to the sounds used in spoken languages, and trains you in recognizing, producing, transcribing, classifying and describing them. You’ll get intensive practice in using the full International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) for the whole range of sounds used in human speech. (Graduate students taking this course will be expected to do graduate level work and will receive graduate credit.)

Official course description: Introduction to the theory and practice of articulatory phonetics.

Ling 455: Phonetics of Signed Languages
2 semester hours *every summer* (Stephen Jones in 2013)
When learning a sign language, you have to pay close attention to how the signs are produced: the handshapes, locations, movements, facial expressions, etc. This course introduces you to these elements as they are used in sign languages around the world, and trains you to recognize, produce, transcribe, classify and describe them. We teach a notational system called SignWriting which is very useful for research, since it includes symbols for virtually every gesture that is meaningful in any sign language, and also introduce other notational systems that are used for sign language research.

Official course description: Introduction to the theory and practice of sign language phonetics. Intensive drill in recognition and production of a wide range of manual and non-manual phonetic elements that are used in natural signed languages, along with terminology for describing those elements precisely. Practice in reading and writing one or more notational systems that are useful in recording phonetic details when conducting research on signed languages.

Ling 452: Syntax and Morphology I [Grammar I]
3 semester hours *every summer* (Jim Watters in 2013)
Syntax and Morphology presents in-depth introduction to the structures used for building words (morphology) and sentences (syntax) in the world’s languages, and intensive practice in recognizing and analyzing them. The course draws from insights in many different theoretical approaches (transformational-generative grammar, unification grammars, amorphous morphology, and typological-functional and communicative approaches) and thus lays a solid foundation for advanced study at many other schools as well as at UND. (Available for undergraduate credit only, even if taken by graduate students.)

Official course description: Fundamentals of analyzing the grammatical and morphological structures of languages; analytical skills developed through graded problems based on a wide variety of languages.

Ling 470: Introduction to Sociolinguistics [Language and Society]
2 semester hours *every summer* (Mary Morgan in 2013)
Sociolinguistics looks at the big picture of how language is used in in society—topics like bilingualism, dialect variation, language attitudes, and endangered languages. (Graduate students taking this course will be expected to do graduate level work and will receive graduate credit.)

Official course description: Introduction to language as a social phenomenon dependent on age, gender, social class, status, setting, and topic, with special attention to multilingual societies.

Ling 480: Learner-Directed Second Language Acquisition [Language Acquisition, Second Language/Culture Learning]
3 semester hours *every summer* (Shedd Waskosky in 2013)
Recommended Corequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) or Ling 455 (SL Phonetics). Also, it is recommended that this course be taken at the same time as Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1).
Language acquisition—learning a language so you can interact easily with people in their own language—is crucial for many different types of people who work cross-culturally. Besides linguists, it is important for community development workers, educators, missionaries, business people—practically anyone who interacts outside their own language group. Learning how to learn a language is vital, as some methods work much better than others. This course presents you with one of the best, one that is specially designed to enable you to learn a language in situations where regular classes, textbooks and other learning resources are unavailable, so you have to be in charge of your own learning. You get to experience it yourself during the course with a language unlike anything you already know. (The languages that are available during a given summer vary from year to year, and are usually not known more than a couple of weeks prior to the summer session. They generally include languages from Africa, Asia, or native America, and at least one signed language.) (Available for undergraduate credit only, even if taken by graduate students.)

Special equipment: Any of the following can be useful: an MP3 player, an MP3 recorder, a computer with sound capabilities, or (if working with a sign language) a digital video camera. However, group computers will also be available if you don’t own suitable equipment of your own; do bring your own headphones.

Official course description: Equips the student for success in learner-directed acquisition of language/culture without dependence on formal classroom instruction, especially in little-studied languages with few or no published pedagogical resources. The core of the course is an intensive language practicum (40-45 hours), working with a native speaker of a language that is very different from languages the student already knows, in sessions led first by a teaching assistant and later by students. Separate lecture-discussion sessions present the theoretical foundation for the practicum. An understanding of second language acquisition is instilled that combines Sociocultural Theory with the psycholinguistic study of comprehension and production along with a detailed multi-phase strategy for long-term language/culture learning.

Return to top of course descriptions

---

Linguistic Fieldwork Package (Intermediate Package B)

Ling 451: Phonology I
3 semester hours *every summer* (Steve Marlett in 2013)
Prerequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) or permission of instructor.
Introduction to the analysis of the sound systems of spoken languages; intensive practice in the application of generative theory to problem solving and to field techniques. Introduction to basic principles for developing orthographies and for tone analysis. (Graduate students taking this course will be expected to do graduate level work and will receive graduate credit.)

Ling 506: Field Methods [Field Methods and Data Management]
3 semester hours *every summer* (Jim Roberts in 2013)
Prerequisites: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) and Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1), recommended Ling 480 (Learner-Directed Second Language Acquisition), or equivalents. Pre- or Corequisite: Ling 451 (Phonology 1) or equivalent, Ling 506L (Media Technology for Linguistic Research). 
Practical aspects of linguistic fieldwork and analysis, including an intensive practicum with speakers of a non-Western language for the purposes of developing skill in data collection, data management (using some computational tools), and the analysis and description of the phonological, grammatical and lexical structures of human languages. In addition to regularly-scheduled class hours, there are required sessions working individually or in small groups with speakers of the language under study.

Required equipment: (If you don’t own appropriate equipment, wait until the class begins to get specific advice before buying anything. In some cases, equipment may be available to borrow.) For work with spoken languages: an electronic digital audio recorder, or computer with audio recording capability; external microphone; headphones. This equipment should be music quality, not just speech quality. For work with signed languages: a digital camcorder, tripod, and computer with ability to capture and playback digital video.

Ling 506L: Media Technology for Linguistic Research (spoken language section)
1 semester hour *every summer* (Albert Bickford in 2013)
Specialized hardware and software tools for linguistic research on spoken or signed languages (recording,  analyzing, and presenting data), with focus on digital audio and video, as well as transcription and  annotation tools for text analysis. Each student focuses on tools for either signed or spoken languages, with separate  sections for each; the class may be retaken for credit if the focus is different. Intended to be taken alongside Ling 506  Field Methods, but can also be taken independently, as it is also useful in preparation for several other courses, such  as Acoustic Phonetics, Phonology of Signed Languages, Morphosyntax of Signed Languages, and for a thesis that involves  language date collection or language documentation.

Ling 535: Ethnographic Methods in Field Linguistics [Cultural Anthro/Ethnography]
3 semester hours *every summer* (Heather Fried in 2013)
Prerequisites: An introduction to linguistics, such as that provided by the Language and Linguistics package (Package A) or by a course entitled “Introduction to Linguistics” (such as English 209 at UND).
Orientation on cultural anthropology and ethnographic research methods for the field linguist, with special attention to the interaction between language and culture.

Return to top of course descriptions

---

Advanced Courses

Unlike the course packages described above, advanced courses are not necessarily intended to be taken all together at the same time. Each course operates independently of the others.

Ling 502: Acoustic Phonetics
3 semester hours (planned for 2015)
Prerequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) or equivalent. Recommended pre- or corequisite: Ling 451 (Phonology I) or equivalent.
Official course description: This course focuses on the instrumental study of the acoustic properties of speech sounds, speech analysis, experimental techniques, and laboratory work. By the end of the course, students should be confident in their abilities to plan, carry out and analyze the results of experiments in phonetics; and to relate acoustic phonetic data to their linguistic analyses. Basic techniques in experimental phonetics such as recording, annotation, fundamental frequency analysis, formant frequency analysis, and spectrographic analysis will be studied.

Ling 503: Phonology II
3 semester hours (planned for 2014)
Prerequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) and Ling 451 (Phonology 1) or equivalents.
Official course description: Phonological phenomena examined from current theoretical frameworks; emphasis on creation and testing of hypotheses about the phonological systems of particular languages. The particular theoretical orientation varies depending on the instructor; often, more than one framework is used. The course assumes a basic knowledge of rule-based generative phonology.

Ling 504: Advanced Syntax [Grammar II]
3 semester hours (planned for 2014)
Prerequisite: Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) or equivalent.
Advanced study of syntactic analysis based on current syntactic theory, with emphasis on linguistic argumentation and application of theory to the analysis of language data. It is designed to present advanced syntactic theory in a way optimally conducive to field linguistic research. (Various theoretical frameworks are used as the basis for the course; in recent years the course has been based on Role and Reference Grammar.) Normally offered in alternate years with Ling 505 (Typology and Discourse).

Ling 505: Typology and Discourse [Grammar II]
3 semester hours *2013* (Robb Fried and Linda Humnick)
Prerequisite: Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) or equivalent.
Grammatical and discourse structure of languages from the perspective of language typology and functional approaches to grammar, focusing on cross-linguistic generalizations in the domains of morphosyntax, semantics, pragmatics and discourse. Normally offered in alternate years with Ling 504 (Advanced Syntax).

Ling 510: Semantics and Pragmatics [Semantics]
3 semester hours *every summer* (Regina Blass in 2013)
Prerequisite: Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) or equivalent.
Various dimensions of meaning on the lexical, propositional, and inter-propositional levels. Meaning is studied both as a property of linguistic expressions and as derived from contextual factors. Topics include principles of lexicography, selectional restrictions, operators and their scope, illocutionary force, inference, and relations between form and meaning.

Ling 511: Translation of Texts: Theory and Practice [Translation Principles]
3 semester hours (planned for 2014)
Prerequisite: Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) and 2 years of foreign language or equivalent proficiency; Pre- or Corequisite: Ling 510 (Semantics and Pragmatics).
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of text translation, emphasizing the accurate, natural and clear transference of meaning across languages and cultures. Current issues in translation theory will be discussed, especially the approach based on Relevance Theory. Practical aspects of the course will include recognizing common translation problems and solutions, maintaining quality control, the role of computation, program planning aspects of translation projects or activities, and teaching others to translate.

Ling 512: Sociolinguistic Methods in Language Survey [Principles of Language Survey] 
3 semester hours *2013* (Mark Karan)
Prerequisite or corequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) and Ling 470 (Introduction to Sociolinguistics) or equivalent.
This course covers the principles of surveying, quantifying, and interpreting data on language attitudes, identity, bilingualism, intelligibility, vitality, language spread, shift, maintenance and death. Surveying sign languages will also be discussed. This course assumes a background in basic linguistics, such as provided by the courses in the Language and Linguistics package (Package A) above. Students who want extra practical experience should also take the optional lab course (described below).

Ling 512L: Sociolinguistic Methods in Language Survey Lab
1 semester hour *2013* (Mark Karan)
Prerequisite or corequisite: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics) and Ling 470 (Introduction to Sociolinguistics) or equivalent; corequisite: Ling 512 Sociolinguistic Methods in Language Survey
This course is an optional lab to be taken alongside Ling 512, enabling potential language surveyors to learn some of the core procedures that are recommended to achieve common survey objectives.

Ling 513: Tone Analysis
3 semester hours *2013* (Keith Snider)
Prerequisites: Ling 450 (Articulatory Phonetics, 451 (Phonology I), and 452 (Syntax and Morphology I) or equivalents.
Of particular interest within the field of phonology, tone studies are important not only for theoretical insight but also as regards proper representation of a language in written form and accuracy of published materials. Students in this course will be introduced to a methodology of tone analysis, focusing on the analysis of one field language and incorporating the insights of current theoretical approaches.
Course Objectives: By the end of the course, successful students will:

• be able to hear and accurately transcribe the tonal melodies of spoken words and short phrases,
• have a methodology firmly in mind for analyzing a tone language,
• be able to recognize a variety of common tonal phenomena,
• be able to properly relate tonal phenomena to linguistic theory,
• be able to clearly and accurately describe the tone system of a tonal language,
• understand the implications of tone analysis for orthography development, and
• look forward to analyzing a tone language.

Official course description: Analysis of tone systems in the world’s spoken languages, covering a comprehensive variety of common tonal phenomena and tone systems. Methodology for analyzing a tonal language, so as to clearly and accurately describe its particular tone system. Implications of tone analysis for orthography development.

Ling 519: Introduction to Literacy Principles [Literacy Principles]
3 semester hours (planned for 2014)
Prerequisites: Ling 451 (Phonology 1) and 452 (Syntax and Morphology 1) or equivalents; Recommended pre- or Corequisite Ling 530 (Introduction to Writing Systems) or equivalent.
Introduction to literacy principles, methods, materials, and programs in multilingual societies, especially those involving one or more minority languages. Includes language policy and planning, reading theory, materials design, and literacy program design and implementation, with special emphasis on training and assisting members of the minority language community to establish and maintain ongoing literacy programs. Intended as an introduction to the topic for field linguists who are not planning to be literacy specialists. Content is similar to the Literacy Megacourse (Ling 520/521/522), but in less depth. May not be used for graduate credit on the same program of study as 520/521/522.

Ling 530: Introduction to Writing Systems
1 semester hour *every summer* (Elke Karan in 2013)
Pre-/Corequisites: Either:

• prerequisite Ling 470 (Intro to Sociolinguistics, or equivalent) and pre- or corequisite Ling 451 (Phonology 1, or equivalent), or
• pre- or corequisite Ling 520, 521, 522 (Literacy Megacourse).

Introduction to the principles of designing and testing a writing system. Attention is given to linguistic, sociolinguistic, educational, psycholinguistic, political/ideological, production and implementation issues in orthographic development. (This course can be taken either independently or as part of the Literacy Megacourse. Some summers it is offered as a regular classroom course; in other years it is a hybrid online/classroom course with most work being done online and just a few class sessions.)

Ling 534: Historical Linguistics
3 semester hours *2013* (Keith Slater)
Prerequisite: Ling 451 (Phonology I) and Ling 470 (Introduction to Sociolinguistics) or equivalent.
Historical-comparative linguistics is the scientific approach to studying relationships between languages. It is especially useful for those interested in language survey, language planning, language development in clusters of languages and adaptation of translated materials between related languages. This course addresses the question of linguistic similarity due to genetic relatedness (descent from a common ancestor language or proto-language) versus similarity due to contact and areal phenomena (e.g. borrowing). Historical-comparative linguistics employs the comparative method as a means for determining genetic relationship between language varieties, positing linguistic groupings based on shared innovations and for reconstructing a proto-language for each group. This historical analysis also includes identification of linguistic features which have resulted from external, contact-induced processes such as areal diffusion, multilingual convergence, borrowing, and interlinguistic analogy.

Official course description: Discovery of historical relationships between languages with primary focus on the comparative method for identifying regular sound changes and reconstructing parent languages, as well as identifying contact-induced changes such as areal diffusion and borrowing. Some coverage of internal reconstruction and historical morphology/syntax. Historical linguistics has applications for language survey, language planning and development, and adaptation of translated materials between related languages.

Return to top of course descriptions

---

Literacy Megacourse

The literacy megacourse is designed to prepare a person to become a literacy specialist. Graduate students who take it can earn a certificate in community-based literacy. It provides training in reading theory, three basic approaches to basic literacy, the theory and methodology of designing a range of pedagogical materials, principles of designing and testing a writing system, and an introduction to the full range of issues involved in designing and implementing a literacy program.

Due to the tight integration of the three courses Ling 520, 521, and 522, these three must all be taken together. The fourth course, Introduction to Writing Systems, is somewhat independent of the other three; see discussion above about prerequisites for it.

The whole literacy megacourse is currently offered only in odd-numbered years at SIL-UND. Those who want it at other times may want to consider taking an equivalent package of courses offered during the spring semester by the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics, or they may want to take the smaller Ling 519 Introduction to Literacy Principles (offered in even-numbered years at SIL-UND).

Ling 520: Community-based Literacy
3 semester hours *2013* (Diana Weber)
Corequisites: Ling 521, 522 and 530.
Foundational issues of community-based literacy in multilingual societies. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: (a) explain in detail the inter-relationship between illiteracy, poverty, politics, and environment; (b) identify and describe the major movements and trends in literacy; (c) explain and teach the principles of adult education; (d) identify the major “players” in the field of adult literacy; (e) explain the major issues involved in developing a multilingual educational program for school children.

Ling 521: Literacy Program Planning and Management
3 semester hours *2013* (Diana Weber)
Corequisites: Ling 520, 522 and Ling 530.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: (a) explain, with examples, change processes in traditional communities; (b) design a complete literacy program; (c) explain alternative strategies for designing and managing a literacy program; (d) evaluate the need for external funding in a literacy program; (e) do detailed costing for a literacy program; (f) write a funding proposal for a literacy program; and (g) use the LinguaLinks Electronic Performance Support system and access relevant Internet resources.

Ling 522: Materials and Methods in Literacy
3 semester hours *2013* (Diana Weber)
Corequisites: Ling 520, 521 and Ling 530.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: (a) explain some of the major theories of reading and the history of their evolution; (b) explain, describe, and critique various instructional strategies for teaching reading; (c) design instructional materials from any one of five different strategies for teaching reading; (d) design teacher training protocols for literacy programs; (e) design testing protocols for reading materials; (f) develop instructional materials for transitional literacy programs; (g) organize and direct a writersí workshop; (h) explain the need for post-literacy materials and how to develop these.

Ling 530: Introduction to Writing Systems
1 semester hour *every summer* (Elke Karan in 2013)
This course is an optional but recommended component in the Literacy Megacourse. It functions somewhat independently from Ling 520/521/522, because it also includes many students who are not taking the Megacourse. (See full details above.)

Return to top of course descriptions

---

Advanced Courses on Signed Languages

A specialty of SIL-UND is the linguistics of signed languages; at least one course is offered in this area each year, and most years all of them are offered. These courses do not teach any one particular signed language, but rather the basic characteristics and organizing principles shared by all signed languages as well as tools used to analyze them.

These courses do not provide everything that a person needs to know to work with signed languages; they should be taken in combination with more general linguistics courses. People seeking a first exposure to linguistics are recommended to take Package A with Ling 455 (Sign Language Phonetics) as their phonetics course.

Deaf students are especially invited to take these courses, as well as any other courses listed in this catalog that may interest them. ASL-English interpretation is available on request; some class sessions are conducted in ASL, with interpretation to English if needed.

Some of these courses require proficiency in a natural signed language which is equivalent to at least one year of college-level study. Knowledge of artificial signing systems such as Signing Exact English is not adequate. Prior background in linguistics is required to take certain courses. See the prerequisites for each course below for details; some of these prerequisites may be waived in special circumstances.

If you are interested in these courses, please contact the SIL-UND director to discuss your particular needs and interests and how well they fit with what we have to offer.

Ling 455: Phonetics of Signed Languages
(Normally taken as part of Package A, see course description above. Can also be taken at the same time as the other sign language courses below.)

Ling 516: Phonology of Signed Languages
2-3 semester hours *every summer* (cancelled for 2013, try again next year)
Prerequisites: a) Ling 455 (Phonetics of Signed Languages), and b) proficiency in a natural signed language equivalent to at least one year of college-level study.
How the basic phonetic elements in a natural signed language function together in the phonological system of the language. Practice in the application of various theoretical frameworks to problem solving and analysis of specific signed languages, and in applying theoretical concepts of general phonology to signed language research.

Ling 526: Morphosyntax of Signed Languages
2-3 semester hours *every summer* (cancelled for 2013, try again next year)
Prerequisites: a) Ling 452 (Syntax and Morphology), and b) proficiency in a natural signed language equivalent to at least one year of college-level study.
Reasons for considering signed languages as natural languages. Morphological and  syntactic properties that are characteristic of signed languages and which distinguish  them from spoken languages, with briefer mention of semantics and discourse. Specific  issues important to the analysis of signed languages, including: glossing conventions,  grammaticalization of space, deixis and agreement, lexical structure, lexicalized  borrowing, verb classes, aspect, classifiers, iconicity and metaphor, nonmanuals, and  information structure.

Ling 506: Field Methods (signed language section)
3 semester hours *every summer* (Jim Roberts in 2013)
One or more sections of Field Methods (see above for details) will use a signed language other than ASL as a field language. The normal requirements for the course will be adapted to prepare students to do field research in signed languages, with special emphasis on the use of video technology, adaptations of research methodology to accommodate sociolinguistic constraints common in Deaf communities, and analysis of structures unique to signed languages. Prerequisites and corequisites are modified from the standard course as follows:

• Special prerequisites for signed language sections: Proficiency in a natural signed language equivalent to at least one year of college-level study, Ling 455 (Phonetics of Signed Languages) instead of Ling 450.
• Special corequisites for signed language sections: Ling 526 Morphosyntax of Signed Languages (in addition to Ling 452 as a prerequisite), Ling 506L Media Technology for Linguistic Research; recommended Ling 516 Phonology of Signed Languages (instead of Ling 451).

Ling 506L: Media Technology for Linguistic Research (signed language section)
1 semester hour *every summer* (cancelled for 2013, try again next year)
Specialized hardware and software tools for linguistic research on spoken or signed languages (recording, analyzing, and presenting data), with focus on digital audio and video, as well as transcription and annotation tools for text analysis. Each student focuses on tools for either signed or spoken languages, with separate sections for each; the class may be retaken for credit if the focus is different. Intended to be taken alongside Ling 506 Field Methods, but can also be taken independently, as it is also useful in preparation for several other courses, such as Acoustic Phonetics, Phonology of Signed Languages, Morphosyntax of Signed Languages, and for a thesis that involves language date collection or language documentation.

Return to top of course descriptions

---

Courses primarily for M.A. Students

The following courses are primarily intended for students pursuing an M.A. in linguistics at the University of North Dakota. Most are offered during all regular university sessions, not just the summers. (During the fall and spring, instructors and students stay in contact via phone, email, etc.)

Ling 580: Academic Writing in Linguistics
1 semester hour *every summer* (David Weber in 2013)
Prerequisite: Acceptance to the M.A. program in linguistics or permission of the instructor.
Instruction and practice in academic writing within the field of linguistics. Intended primarily for students beginning the process of writing an M.A. thesis. (This course is required for the M.A. in linguistics.)

Ling 590: Directed Studies
1-4 semester hours *every session* (various instructors)
Prerequisite: Approved program of study for the M.A. and consent of instructor.
Supervised individual study, usually consisting of a reading list and short written assignments intended to help the student integrate each reading into a growing understanding of a topic. May be repeated when the topic is different; up to 4 semester hours of Directed Studies and Research may be used as part of the M.A. in linguistics, subject to the approval of a student’s advisory committee.

Ling 594: Research
1-6 semester hours *every session* (various instructors)
Prerequisite: Approved program of study for the M.A. and consent of instructor.
Supervised original research, often used in preparation for writing a thesis, and normally supervised by a student’s thesis advisor. Up to 4 semester hours of Directed Studies and Research may be used as part of the M.A. in linguistics, subject to the approval of a student’s advisory committee.

Ling 996: Continuing Enrollment
1-6 semester hours *every session*
Prerequisite: Advanced linguistic study and consent of advisor or Director of Graduate Studies.
Used by M.A. students so they can be officially enrolled when studying on campus or otherwise drawing on SIL or UND resources but not taking other courses.

Ling 998: Thesis
4 semester hours *every session* (various instructors)
Prerequisite: Completion of most coursework for the M.A. program in linguistics and consent of thesis advisor.
Supervised original research and writing of an M.A. thesis. (Taken once during a student’s M.A. program; work on the thesis is not necessarily confined to the term in which a student officially registers for this course.)

Return to top of course descriptions