English Language and Linguistics
The certificate provides students with a focused understanding of the structure of the English language (in terms of its sound system, grammar, meaning, and vocabulary), as well as an understanding of how the spread of English contributes to language contact, urbanization, globalization, multilingualism, and many other aspects of language and society. The program is open to all undergraduate students at UM-Dearborn as well as non-degree seeking students with or without college degrees. This program can be completed fully online, in person, or a combination of both. The certificate allows students to have flexibility to plan their own program completion by selecting different combinations of the courses from two separate modules. Only one course is required and the remaining 9-11 credit hours may be taken in ways reflecting their own academic interest. Students interested more in the English language portion may choose two courses from that module and one from the Language variation in society module and those keen on language variation can choose two courses from that module and one from the English language module.
Certificate Requirements
The certificate allows students to have flexibility to plan their own program completion by selecting different combinations of the courses from two separate modules. Only one course is required and the remaining 9-11 credit hours may be taken in ways reflecting their own academic interest. Students interested more in the English language portion may choose two courses from that module and one from the Language variation in society module and those keen on language variation can choose two courses from that module and one from the English language module.
The required courses introduce fundamental concepts and frameworks in linguistics and provide an accessible yet comprehensible overview of lexical, phonological, morpho-syntactic, and sociolinguistic features of the English language.
The English Language courses discuss the structure of the English language, in addition to linguistic variation and language contact phenomena in English speaking communities in the US and around the world. Students will be introduced to factors leading to language change, language shift, language acquisition, and language maintenance as well as cultural, political, and historical components of language variation.
The courses on language variation in society survey how linguistic concepts and theories involving English and other languages can be applied to practical issues in the real world. Particularly identity construction in marginalized communities and linguistic struggle and discrimination in the workplace and education will be addressed. Also, students will be able to study the use of English in diverse social domains such as political discourse, print media, broadcasting, popular culture, and social media and develop critical thinking and language analysis skills.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 12-14 credit hours are required: | ||
| Required course: | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
or LING 480 | Concepts in Linguistics | |
| English Language Courses: | 3-6 | |
| Select one or two of the following: | ||
| American English | ||
| Modern English Grammar | ||
| Second Lang Acquisition: Engl | ||
| History of the English Lang | ||
| World Englishes | ||
| Or other LING course with primary focus on the English Language by Petition. | ||
| Language Variation in Society Courses: | 3-8 | |
| Select one or two of the following: | ||
| Language and Gender | ||
| Language and Popular Culture | ||
| Lang Diversity: Arab Amer Comm | ||
| Sociolinguistics | ||
| Or other LING course with primary focus on language variation by Petition. | ||
NOTES REGARDING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS CERTIFICATE:
1. A maximum of two transfer courses (six credit hours) may count toward the certificate.
2. A maximum of eleven credit hours may simultaneously count toward the certificate and the Linguistics Minor.
3. Up to 11 credits may double up with your major, if applicable.
4. A maximum of one class pass/fail is allowed.
4. A minimum 2.0 GPA in the courses counting toward the English Language and Linguistics Certificate and a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA are required to earn the certificate.