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.
  • Recognize the typological similarity and diversity of syntactic phenomena.
  • 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 third semester level as established by the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand and respond to a foreign language spoken at the third semester level as established by the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
  • Read articles and short stories and write short compositions in the foreign language.
  • Explain cultural differences and obtain a third semester understanding of a culture using this other language.

Associate in Arts Degree Major Requirements

Required Core
LING 10Foundations of Language3
LING 15Introduction to Linguistics3
Select one of the following options:15
Option 1: French
Elementary French I
Elementary French II
Intermediate French
Option 2: Japanese
Elementary Japanese I
Elementary Japanese II
Intermediate Japanese
Option 3: American Sign Language
Elementary American Sign Language I
Elementary American Sign Language II
Intermediate American Sign Language
Option 4: Spanish
Elementary Spanish I
Elementary Spanish II
Intermediate Spanish I
Option 5: Spanish for Spanish Speakers
Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers II
Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS21
Additional Requirements39
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 Units60

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallUnits
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
 
 Units16
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
 
 Units14
Year 2
Fall
SPCH 1
Public Speaking
or Small Group Communication
3
IGETC Area 5B 3
Electives (LING 30, LING 35, LING 46, or LING 49 Recommended) 3
Select one of the following: 5
Intermediate French  
Intermediate Japanese  
Intermediate American Sign Language  
Intermediate Spanish I
or Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
 
 Units14
Spring
IGETC Area 4 (LING 25 Recommended) 3
IGETC Area 4 (LING 45 Recommended) 3
IGETC Area 4 (US-1 Course Recommended) 3
IGETC Area 5A & 5C 4
Electives (LING 30, LING 35, LING 46, LING 49 Recommended) 3
 Units16
 Total Units60