The linguistics honours program provides advanced training in linguistic theory and research to outstanding students intending to pursue further graduate studies in linguistics.
Curriculum
Students in the honours program must take at least 60 credits in linguistics and related areas, subject to the following requirements:
Language Requirement: The Department of Linguistics language requirement for an Honours in Linguistics is different from the general language requirement of the Faculty of Arts. Students who satisfy the Faculty requirement by completing a Grade 12 course in a language other than English may satisfy the Linguistics Language Requirement either by taking an additional 6 credits in the same language or by taking 12 credits in a different language at UBC. The language courses taken toward the Linguistics Language Requirement do not count towards the 60 credit total required for the Linguistics Honours.
In addition, students may satisfy the Linguistics Language Requirement by demonstrating competence in a language other than those listed under the Faculty of Arts Language Requirement. In such cases, the student should contact the Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Linguistics.
Note: If you are declaring a major or Honours in Linguistics for September 2024 or later, the language requirement is changing from what is currently stated above / in the calendar. The new requirement is as follows:
Linguistics majors and Honours students are required to complete 6 credits of coursework in a single language other than English. [NB: This brings the total number of credits to 66, but see note below about double-counting with the new Faculty of Arts breadth requirements.]
Courses may be taken in any non-English language and at any level. If a student has prior experience with a language through life experience or past coursework, they are responsible for coordinating with the relevant language department to determine placement in an appropriately leveled course.
Courses taken toward the language requirement must be focused on learning or using the language in question. Courses that include a note that says “in English” or “in translation” in the course name / description cannot be used towards the language requirement.
The language requirement is intended to give students concrete experience of developing competence in a language as an adult while also taking courses in linguistic analysis, to complement both experiences. Hence, these credits must be completed by all Linguistics students as part of their BA and cannot be waived based on existing language competency.
Courses taken to complete the Linguistics language requirement may simultaneously be used to fulfil a student’s Faculty of Arts Ways of Knowing Breadth Requirements.
Note: Currently, Workday Student is not able to automatically check whether the Language Requirement is fulfilled, for either the old or the new version. If you think you have completed the requirement and would like it to be manually marked as completed, please fill out the form at https://linguistics.ubc.ca/undergraduate/advising/ and be sure to include your student ID number and the courses you think fulfill the requirement.
If you have any questions about how the Language Requirement applies in your situation, please feel free to ask via the form on https://linguistics.ubc.ca/undergraduate/advising/, or book an appointment with an advisor to discuss your situation.
Recommended Lower-Level Courses:
- LING 100, 101, 209, and 222
- STAT 203
*Note: 100-level LING courses do not count toward Honours, Major, or Minor programs in Linguistics. “Recommended” courses are additional courses that may help you better understand and succeed in the required courses for the program. There’s no necessity that you complete any or all of them; they are simply ones that you may find helpful, especially if your own background is somewhat weaker in those areas.
Required Courses:
- both LING 200 and 201; and
- all of LING 300, 311, 313, 327 and 333; and
- LING 447; and
- LING 449 (Honours Essay; fill out the Honours Thesis Form from the Courses page); and
- an additional 30 credits of courses numbered 300 or higher (possibly including additional sections of LING 447). These 30 credits must all be LING courses, except for a maximum of 6 credits which can be taken from upper-level courses in related areas. See this list for pre-approved courses from other departments.Courses from outside Linguistics that are not listed on that page must be approved by the Linguistics Undergraduate Advisor.
Note: undergraduate students may enrol in graduate-level courses if they meet the requirements; see the UBC calendar and the graduate school for more information. Such courses can count toward upper-level credit requirements (i.e., as courses numbered 300 or higher).
Note that a significant component of the Honours program is the completion of an Honours thesis, typically an original piece of research, chosen by the student and overseen by a faculty member.
Admissions
Admissions into the honours program requires:
- An overall average of 76% or higher in at least 33 credits including LING 200 and 201
- A final grade of at least 80% in LING 200 and 201
- Approval from the Linguistics Undergraduate Advisor
For more information, visit the academic advising page and set up an appointment with an advisor.