University offers new minor program

Weber State University is offering a new minor in linguistics. A single college is not offering the minor; instead, nine different departments are a part of this program. The purpose of the minor is to promote breadth of study at the University as it includes courses in several departments. The disciplines that it covers are communication, English, philosophy, computer sciences, foreign languages, psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, human biology and mathematics. The coursework for the program covers a broad range of knowledge. WSU English Professor Mark LeTorneau and others wanted the minor to offer that breadth in order to make it more attractive on résumés and graduate school applications. "When researching this minor we found that graduate and law schools look favorable on a minor in linguistics," LeTorneau said. Fall semester was the first semester that the minor was offered. LeTorneau said there are several reasons for students to look into the possibilities of a linguistics minor. "One reason would be the intrinsic fascination with language," LeTorneau said. "The second reason is that it is a great compliment to a range of majors." Student interest varies on this subject. Some students are a bit hesitant, but would like to know more. "I don't really know what linguistics is, other than its something to do with language, said WSU freshman Sandi Tibbets. "I would have to get a little more information on it." Others think it sounds like a good thing but already have their school schedules set. "I wish that they had a program like this when I was a freshman or sophomore," said WSU junior Lance Thompson. "You know. Before I decided on the course of my schooling." Still more students are very interested in finding out more and incorporating the program into their coursework. "I'm a freshman and I haven't really decided on a major yet," said Brooke Leary. "I am very interested in language and all that's involved with it, so I would love to learn more about it." Linguistics is the scientific study of language. However, because of the many different disciplines and approaches of studying linguistics, LeTorneau describes it more as an interdisciplinary study that focuses on languages. The linguistics minor requires 21-26 credit hours and has been separated into five different areas. The first is foundation, second is language structures, third is sub-disciplines and applications, and fourth is electives. The final area of the minor is the capstone course, taking all that is learned in the other areas and putting it together so it can make sense as one cohesive unit. The program is interdisciplinary and is accepted by most colleges on campus. For more information on the new linguistics minor contact Mark LeTorneau about getting a brochure on the program.