Fall 2023

For a full list of graduate courses in linguistics offered in recent years, see: 

GRS LX 601 / MET LX 501

Introduction to the nature and patterning of sounds in human language. Presents articulatory and acoustic phonetics, and basic phonological analysis, focusing on cross-language typology and comparison. Hands-on development of practical skills, including IPA transcription, field techniques, and digital speech analysis.

TR 9:30-10:45

GRS LX 611 / MET LX 511

Morphology, the study of the internal structure and the shapes of words across languages, straddles the boundary between syntax and phonology. This course covers the major empirical and theoretical issues in the study of morphology, emphasizing links to other components of grammar. (Students must also register for required co-req GRS LX 612.)

MWF 11:15-12:05

GRS LX 612 – Discussion Section

M 9:05-9:55

GRS LX 631 / MET LX 531

Systematic examination of how meaning is encoded in words and sentences, and how it can emerge from the complexity of the grammar. Also touches on various aspects of pragmatics–the study of how meaning is shaped by context. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course entitled “Semantics I” that was previously numbered CAS LX 502. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, The Individual in Community, Critical Thinking.

TR 2:00-3:15

GRS LX 642 /
MET LX 542

Do women talk differently from men? How do race and ethnicity relate to the way people use language? This course examines these interrelated questions from the perspective of modern sociolinguistic theory, analyzing a range of languages and communities throughout the world. Effective Spring 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Teamwork/Collaboration.

MWF 12:20-1:10

GRS LX 667

Exploration of the structure, history, and varieties of indigenous languages of Latin America, and of the communities that speak them. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Research and Information Literacy.  (Students must also register for required co-req GRS LX 677.)

MWF 1:25-2:15

GRS LX 677 – Discussion Section

W 9:05-9:55

GRS LX 694 /
MET LX 594

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.

MWF 2:30-3:20

GRS LX 705

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.

MWF 9:05-9:55

GRS LX 722

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. Prerequisite: GRS LX 621, or consent of instructor.

TR 12:30-1:45

GRS LX 736

The language of change and growth: This course is a weekly seminar on semantics of linguistic devices that are used to express change over time or space along various dimensions. Specific topics covered will include temporal and spatial telicity, motion verbs and paths, degree achievements, intensional verbs, the temperature paradox, concealed questions, and other types of embedded questions.

R 3:30-6:15

GRS LX 754

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.

TR 9:30-10:45

GRS LX 795

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.

TR 2:00-3:15

GRS LX 801

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.

T 3:30-4:45