Linguistics (incl. Applied Linguistics)

View courses in

  • GRS LX 694: Introduction to Programming for Computational Linguistics
    Introduction to computational techniques to explore linguistic models and test empirical claims. Serves as an introduction to programming, algorithms, and data structures, focused on modern applications to Natural Language Processing. Topics include tagging and classification, parsing models, meaning representation, and information extraction. [Not intended for students with a background in programming or computer science] This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Research and Information Literacy.
    • Quantitative Reasoning II
    • Research and Information Literacy
  • GRS LX 703: Phonological Analysis
    Survey of phonological theory and analysis, with focus on cross-linguistic typology of phonological systems. Phonological reasoning and argumentation skills are developed. Empirical coverage includes contrast, distinctive features, rules and constraints, opacity, tone, syllabification, stress, and interactions with morphology and syntax. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course entitled "Introduction to Phonology" that was previously numbered CAS LX 513.
  • GRS LX 705: Prosody
    Exploration of the melodic and rhythmic aspects of the languages of the world. Emphasis on theoretical and experimental approaches to cross-linguistic typology. Specific topics include syllables and syllable-weight, rhythm and speech timing; stress and metrics; tone and intonation. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS LX 525.
  • GRS LX 706: Advanced Topics in Phonology
    Topics will vary. May be taken more than once for credit with different topics. First topic: Distinctive feature theory from Structuralism to the present. Issues include the putative universality of distinctive features, their phonetic underpinnings, tension among the various roles features play in the grammar, and applicability of features to phonology beyond consonants and vowels.
  • GRS LX 722: Intermediate Syntax: Modeling Syntactic Knowledge
    Using linguistic data drawn from a wide variety of languages, students develop a precise model of syntactic knowledge through evaluation of hypotheses and arguments. Exploration of major discoveries and phenomena from the linguistic literature.
  • GRS LX 723: Advanced Syntax: Issues in Modern Syntactic Theory
    Exploration of advanced topics in syntax, chosen in part based on student interest, through reading and critical discussion of both foundational and recent literature. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course entitled "Syntax II" that was previously numbered CAS LX 523.
  • GRS LX 732: Intermediate Semantics: The Grammatical Construction of Meaning
    Systematic development of a semantic theory of natural language, using the tools of model-theoretic semantics. In-depth study of the relation between meaning and grammar, and the relation between meaning and context. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course entitled "Semantics II" that was previously numbered CAS LX 503.
  • GRS LX 733: Experimental Pragmatics
    Covers the main areas of linguistic pragmatics, the study of language use and the relation between meaning and context. Study of pragmatic phenomena such as presuppositions, implicatures, anaphora, and focus, from the perspective of linguistic semantics. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course entitled "Topics in Pragmatics" that was previously numbered CAS LX 504. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation.
    • Quantitative Reasoning II
    • Digital/Multimedia Expression
    • Creativity/Innovation
  • GRS LX 736: Advanced Topics in Semantics & Pragmatics
    Topic will vary. May be taken more than once for credit with different topics. Topic for Spring 2020: Degree semantics. The semantics of expressions of degree, including vague, gradable expressions like "tall", positive and comparative forms ("taller", "tallest"), and degree-denoting expressions like "six feet". Examination of multiple theoretical perspectives, and investigation of crosslinguistic variation through literature and new data collection.
  • GRS LX 738: Discourse Analysis: Theoretical and Methodological Approaches
    Review of current research literature on discourse analysis; students practice and apply current methods and techniques of discourse analysis.
  • GRS LX 754: Acquisition of Syntax
    Exploration of the character and course of acquisition of syntactic knowledge in both first and second language contexts. Covers methodological principles for conducting studies and analyzing data, and topics such as development of verb movement, binding theory, and tense. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS LX 540.
  • GRS LX 795: Quantitative Methods in Linguistics
    Introduces students to quantitative approaches to linguistic data, including visualization, hypothesis testing, and data modeling. Students gain proficiency in R, an open-source statistical environment, and learn the logic behind statistical techniques, as well as practical skills for using them.
  • GRS LX 796: Computational Linguistics
    Introduction to computational techniques to explore linguistic models and test empirical claims. Serves as an introduction to concepts, algorithms, data structures, and tool libraries. Topics include tagging and classification, parsing models, meaning representation, corpus creation, information extraction. [Students who have already taken CAS LX 394/GRS LX 694 are not eligible to take this course.] Effective Spring 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Research and Information Literacy.
    • Quantitative Reasoning II
    • Research and Information Literacy
  • GRS LX 801: Seminar in Linguistic Research
    Advanced graduate students working on their qualifying research papers or thesis present and discuss work in progress. The course is organized thematically based on students' research areas. Readings each week are determined on the basis of the research discussed. 2 cr. per semester.
  • GRS LX 802: Seminar in Linguistic Research
    Advanced graduate students working on their qualifying research papers or thesis present and discuss work in progress. The course is organized thematically based on students' research areas. Readings each week are determined on the basis of the research discussed. 2 cr. per semester.

Back to full list of Courses