Objectives
This is a three-year dual honours degree, combining the study of Linguistics and Philosophy. Linguistics and Philosophy is a degree that allows you to explore our dependence on language from different but complementary perspectives. While in Linguistics you will learn about the nature and development of different languages, in Philosophy you will discover that reflection on language is a key part of any inquiry into philosophical questions. Linguistics: Approximately half of your modules will be shared with students on the single honours BA in English Language and Linguistics. This concerns the structure, use, history and acquisition of English, and of natural languages more generally. There are a number of thematic pathways within the degree programme at levels two and three, including theoretical and comparative approaches, language and society, folklore and cultural tradition, and historical approaches to language. Dual degree students may take modules from within any of these pathways with the opportunity to study, for example, syntax, phonetics, sociolinguistics, language and gender, Middle English, and child language acquisition. The course structure on the linguistics side of the degree is relatively fixed at level one: you will take 40 credits of linguistics modules, including Sounds and Structures of English (20 credits combined), plus one of the following (History of English, Doing Linguistics, and Varieties of English). You may take additional English Language and Linguistics modules to make up your 40 unrestricted credits. Level one modules are intended to provide a foundation in linguistic theory and analysis, and to introduce you to topics that you may wish to explore in more depth. The course structure in your subsequent years is extremely flexible: you will choose approximately 50% of your modules (60 credits per year) from any of the modules offered at each level. This allows you to pursue your specific interests in linguistics and at the same time to integrate your linguistic studies with your developing interests in Philosophy. Philosophy: There is an exciting range of Philosophy courses taught by researchers who are experts in their fields. You can develop your understanding of the key areas of philosophy such as Ethics, Philosophy of Mind, Theory of Knowledge, Political Philosophy, Metaphysics and Logic through the course of your three years. We also have courses on major figures in the history of philosophy such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hegel and others. The Philosophy side of the degree is based on the principle of free choice, with no required modules.
