Theoretical Linguistics - master

The Master's of Philosophy in Theoretical Linguistics covers graduate level studies in theoretical linguistics, and is to be seen as an extension of work at the Bachelor's level. The programme 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 Master's level, students will develop special interests based on their coursework and will write either a Master's Thesis or two article-length papers.

The programme consists of the following components:

• 60 ECTS of coursework and
• 60 ECTS for either (1) one thesis, or (2) two articles.

The two elective ten credit courses can come from any 3000-level course in language or linguistics offered by the groups for English and General Linguistics. By application, other courses may be accepted (e.g. courses in philosophy, psychology, mathematics, and so on).

Master's Thesis
The degree includes 60 ECTS which must be earned either (i) by writing one Master's Thesis (60 ECTS) or (ii) by writing two papers (30 ECTS 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 the Center for Advanced Studies in Theoretical Linguistics (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.

Interdisciplinary courses
Some of the Master's degree programmes offered by the 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.

Progression
The following courses are compulsory in Semester 1: HIF-3010 Syntax I, HIF-3022 Phonology I. In addition students are required to complete an elective course.

The following courses are compulsory in Semester 2: HIF-3011 Syntax II, and HIF-3021 Phonology II. In addition students are required to complete an elective course.

Elective courses 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.