Undergraduate Research

For linguistics and language studies majors, many research projects start out as projects or papers completed in a class. Whether this is true or not, if you want to pursue research in greater depth, there are several means by which this can be done.

Undergraduate Research Fellows in Linguistics and Language Science (URFLLS)

The Undergraduate Research Fellows in Linguistics and Language Science program provides students with hands-on research experience. If accepted into the program, students enroll in LING 149, Research Skills in Linguistics, in winter quarter to learn about research questions and methods, as well as gain practical, technical experience. Upon successful completion, students are placed in a paid internship with a faculty member for spring quarter, assisting with the faculty member's research. An information session is held early in the fall term regarding eligibility and the application process.

Independent Study Courses

Independent study courses are intended for students who have satisfied all requirements for the major and are in a position to take up some special topic not covered in the regular curriculum. Independent studies cannot be used to satisfy named requirements for the major, or to engage material that is available in a regularly taught course. Students interested in pursuing an independent study should consult with a faculty member. A special use of the independent study option is a Senior Thesis project (see the requirements for the major).

Labs and Research Groups

Students can often get involved in the work of labs and other research groups in the department. One way is to look at the list of these groups on the department website to see if anything interests you there, and then to contact the faculty affiliated with it. Another way is to talk to specific faculty that you would like to work with and ask them if they have anything for undergraduates to get involved with.

Undergraduate Research Funding

The Linguistics Department has a limited amount of funds from the Rickford Fund and other sources to support outstanding research projects by undergraduates. Funds are to to be used to cover research expenses, or travel to conferences to present research. Awards may be capped at $300 per person, though applicants can submit a request for a larger amount. Applications, which consist of a one-page research statement, a budget, and the name of a faculty member who supports the application, can be submitted at any point in the academic year. Please contact the Undergraduate Program Director for more details.

Linguistics Undergraduate Research Conference (LURC)

At the end of every spring quarter, several linguistics and language studies students present their independent research at the annual Linguistics Undergraduate Research Conference (LURC).