Linguistics, Associate in Arts
Linguistics is the science of language. The Linguistics program prepares students to transfer into the CSU and UC systems to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Linguistics. The program provides the necessary transferable courses to allow students to fully or partially complete the lower-division preparatory requirements of their transfer institution, depending on the school of choice. Consult with a counselor and the appropriate CSU and UC catalogs and Linguistics Departments for the most current information on specific Linguistics preparation for transfer. An AA in Linguistics prepares students for successful careers in language teaching and other education positions both in the U.S. and abroad. Linguistics also prepares individuals for careers in the computer industry, law, publishing and the media, advertising and government.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Analyze sentence structure in terms of grammatical relations and constituent structures.
- Use the common vocabulary of linguistics.
- Define Language and describe its systematic nature.
- Use foreign language vocabulary and idioms in basic life situations following the necessary rules of pronunciation, grammar, and syntax at the second or third semester level as established by the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
- Understand and respond to a foreign language spoken at the second or third semester level as established by the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
- Read and write short stories at the second or third semester level in the foreign language.
- Explain cultural differences and obtain a second or third semester understanding of a culture using this other language.
Associate in Arts Degree Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| LING 10 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
| LING 15 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| List A: World Languages | ||
| Select two courses from one of the following world languages: | 10 | |
| American Sign Language: | ||
| Elementary American Sign Language I | ||
| Elementary American Sign Language II | ||
| Intermediate American Sign Language | ||
| French: | ||
| Elementary French I | ||
| Elementary French II | ||
| Intermediate French | ||
| Japanese: | ||
| Elementary Japanese I | ||
| Elementary Japanese II | ||
| Intermediate Japanese | ||
| Spanish: | ||
| Elementary Spanish I | ||
| Elementary Spanish II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish I | ||
| Spanish for Spanish Speakers: | ||
| Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers I | ||
| Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers I | ||
| List B | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3-5 | |
Any List A course not already selected | ||
| Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology | ||
| Introduction to Language and Gender | ||
| Introduction to the History of the English Language | ||
| Introduction to Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Introduction to Language and Society | ||
| Introduction to the Psychology of Language | ||
| Introduction to Discourse Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Dialects from Here and There | ||
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 19-21 | |
| Additional Requirements | 41-39 | |
| Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.
The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.
Suggested 2-Year Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| ENGL 1A | College Composition | 3 |
| LIBR 50 | Introduction to Library and Research Skills | 1 |
| LING 15 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| MATH 16 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 5 | |
| Elementary French I | ||
| Elementary Japanese I | ||
| Elementary American Sign Language I | ||
| Elementary Spanish I or Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers I | ||
| Units | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 2 | Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| LING 10 | Foundations of Language | 3 |
| IGETC Area 3A | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 5 | |
| Elementary French II | ||
| Elementary Japanese II | ||
| Elementary American Sign Language II | ||
| Elementary Spanish II or Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers II | ||
| Units | 14 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SPCH 1 or SPCH 2 | Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | 3 |
| IGETC Area 5B | 3 | |
| Major List B | 3-5 | |
| Electives (LING 30, LING 35, LING 46, or LING 49 Recommended) | 3-5 | |
| Units | 12-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| IGETC Area 4 (US-1 Course Recommended) | 3 | |
| IGETC Area 4 (US-2 & 3 Recommended) | 3 | |
| IGETC Area 5A & 5C | 4 | |
| IGETC Area 7 | 3 | |
| Electives (LING 30, LING 35, LING 46, LING 49 Recommended) | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |