Master´s in Theoretical Linguistics. 2 years - 120 ECTS credits. Curriculum.

I. Program description

1. Contents
The Masters in Theoretical Linguistics covers graduate level studies in theoretical linguistics, and is to be seen as an extension of work at the Bachelor level. The program places special emphasis on the formal aspects of grammar, in particular syntax and phonology. The approach to these disciplines relies on comparative studies of many languages. Students will develop insight into the structure of language, comparative aspects of linguistic research, social and geographic variation, the historical development of languages and language acquisition. At the Masters level, students will develop special interests based on their coursework and will write either a Masters thesis or two article-length papers.

2. Objectives, access to further studies and professional prospects
The Masters in Theoretical Linguistics provides a foundation for seeking work in fields as diverse as teaching, programming, administration, industry or media. The core goal of the program, however, is to prepare students for study at PhD level.

3. Programme coordinator
The Faculty Board for Bachelors and Masters Programmes (Styret for fakultære bachelor- og mastergradsprogram).

4. Participating disciplines
A variety of groups at the humanities faculty teach courses which may be used as electives in the Masters Programme for Theoretical Linguistics. These include the groups for English, Finnish, French, General linguistics, German, Russian, Sami and Scandinavian studies. The core courses for the degree of Masters in Theoretical Linguistics are taught in the context of the Center for Advanced Study in Theoretical Linguistics (CASTL).

5. Admission requirement
To be admitted to the program, the student must have a Bachelors Degree in a language or linguistics, or a degree combining linguistics and literature. The student should have at least three semesters of concentrated work in one of the subjects mentioned in point 4 above. Students applying for admission must have a grade average of at least B.

6. Programme structure diagramme
The program consists of the following components:

• 60 credits of coursework, as specified below,
• 60 credits for either (1) one thesis, or (2) two articles.

The two elective 10 credit courses can come from any 3000-level course in language or linguistics offered by the Faculty of Humanities. By application, courses offered by other faculties may be accepted (e.g. courses in philosophy, psychology, mathematics, and so on).

7. Masters thesis
The degree includes 60 credits which must be earned either (i) by writing one Masters thesis (60 credits) or (ii) by writing two papers (30 credits each). This work is normally done individually, but may be part of a larger research project being carried out at the faculty, especially projects being carried out at CASTL. The topics for this work will be chosen in consultation with one of the academic staff, who will serve as a supervisor. Those opting to write two papers, must write one of them in the core disciplines phonology or syntax. The two papers cannot be in the same field.

8. Specializations
There are no specializations within the degree.

9. Student exchange
Students will normally be expected to carry out their studies in Tromsø and to participate in the courses offered here. By application, a student may receive approval for spending up to one year abroad. Note that after taking courses at institutions abroad, students must apply to have them formally accepted as part of their degree.

10. Part-time studies
The program is in principle open for part-time studies, however the structure of the program is not designed to accommodate part-time students.

11. Interdisciplinary courses
The Masters programmes on offer at the humanities faculty overlap to a certain degree in that they offer a range of "interdisciplinary" courses. For example, the core disciplines of phonology and syntax are taught as part of both Theoretical Linguistics and English Linguistics, and are therefore assigned a HIF-code in the university catalogue. Not all of the HIF-courses, however, may be appropriate for incorporation into a given programme.

12. Teaching and evaluation methods, assessment, examination
Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminars. Evaluation is carried out at the end of each course on the basis of a portfolio of the students written work. As a Masters student, you will be assigned a supervisor who will monitor your progress throughout your studies. The Masters thesis will be assigned a grade (from A to F); the coursework will be graded on the same scale. For information about examination; please see individual course descriptions.

13. Student evaluation of the program
As a check on the quality of the instruction they receive, students will be asked to evaluate the individual courses they take. Evaluation forms will be distributed towards the end of the semester, although oral feedback is welcome at any point.

II. Course of study

¹ The following courses are compulsory in Semester 1: HIF-3010 Syntax I, HIF-3022 Phonology I. The following courses are compulsory in Semester 2: HIF-3011 Syntax II, and HIF-3021 Phonology II ² Elective may be selected from the list of courses offered by the groups for English, Finnish, French, Linguistics, German, Scandinavian, Russian and Saami. Note that elective courses must be oriented to theory of language rather than practical language learning. It is also possible to take courses offered by other faculties as long as their relevance to the degree can be documented. The normal progression for students will be as follows: