Language Studies Undergraduate Program Overview

Home Undergraduate Programs Language Studies Undergraduate Program Overview

Language Studies is an interdisciplinary major designed with two principal goals in mind: (1) to provide students with a thorough competence in at least one language other than English, and (2) to provide students with a core foundation in linguistics, the study of language structure. To achieve these objectives, the Language Studies program contains three basic components:

The Language Component: Students must achieve a high level of competence in at least one language other than English.

The Linguistics Component: In addition to studying a particular language, students also learn about the general principles that govern the structure of human languages.

The Context/Elective Component: Students gain an understanding of the communities and cultural contexts in which their languages of emphasis are used.

Because the Language Studies curriculum is necessarily multi-lingual, students are encouraged to study abroad during the course of their degree program. The University of California's Education Abroad Program (EAP) and UCSC's Office of International Education provide ample opportunities for overseas studies, and many language studies students spend at least a quarter abroad.

Successful completion of the language studies major leads to a BA degree in language studies. The department also offers a minor in language studies.

Questions related to Language Studies degree requirements, linguistics classes, independent study petitions sponsored by a linguistics instructor, or senior examinations should be directed to the Linguistics department. The Linguistics and Language Studies Undergraduate Advising Office is located at 241 Stevenson (459-4988); the Undergraduate Advisors are Ashley Hardisty and Debbie Belville (ling@ucsc.edu). Questions about language placement examinations, language classes, or independent study petitions sponsored by a language instructor should be directed to the Language Program Office (218 Cowell, 459-2054). Further information can be found at the Language Program's home page.

Undergraduate Handbook

The current Linguistics and Language Studies Undergraduate Handbook can be found here.