Concentration Advisor
Jaklin Kornfilt
Professor
Office: 305 HBC
Tel: 315-443-5375
Email: kornfilt@syr.edu​

Students in the concentration in Linguistic Theory evaluate claims about the human capacity for language by examining the structure of one or more languages.

Sample Requirements - Consult the Course Catalog for specific requirements.

Equivalent or alternative courses may be substituted for any of the courses listed below by approval of the program. Be aware that certain courses may have prerequisites.

Linguistics Core Courses (12 credits)

• LIN 601 Linguistic Analysis
• LIN 631 Phonological Analysis
• LIN 641 Syntactic Analysis
• LIN 674 Topics in Sociolinguistics

Concentration Area Required Courses (9 Credits)

• Three courses - Consult the course catalog for approved list.

Concentration Area Elective Courses (6 Credits)

• Two additional courses - Consult the course catalog for approved list.

Language Requirement (6 Credits)

• Students will fulfill the Foreign Language Requirement for the Linguistic Theory concentration in one of two ways, with prior consultation with and approval from the Concentration Advisor:
  • 1A. [LANGUAGE DESIGNATION] 620: Successfully complete (grade no lower than a B-) a full semester of attendance at a language course (other than the student’s native language, English, or another language that the student has significant familiarity with).

And:

Or:

Students who fulfill the Foreign Language Requirement for the Linguistic Theory concentration by choosing either one of the options in 2 must complete two papers (of approximately 15 single-spaced pages each): one on the phonology and one on the syntax of the language under investigation. These papers are to be written in addition to any requirements of the course taken and should be written while or immediately after taking the relevant course.

Thesis Option

In substitution for six of the elective credits, the student may prepare a thesis under the supervision of the concentration advisor or other faculty participating in the Program and on a topic approved by the Program.