English Linguistics

Overview

There is a long tradition of Linguistics in Tübingen, but there are more linguists now working on a wider variety of aspects of linguistics than ever before. In part, this is due to the exceptional success of Tübingen linguists in attracting research funding over the last 20 years. 

The course structure of the M.A. program English Linguistics at the University of Tübingen reflects this depth and interdisciplinarity. In addition to core areas of phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics, the program offers specializations in second language acquisition, information structure, language processing, experimental syntax, formal semantics, psycholinguistics, and historical linguistics. 

While there is an emphasis on the description and processing of the English language, perspectives are always enriched by cross-linguistic comparison and interdisciplinary approaches ranging from experimentation to literary studies. For this reason, students can combine courses offered in English Linguistics with selected M.A. courses offered by the other Linguistics departments.

An important aspect of the M.A. program is the degree of choice in independent studies. From the very beginning, students are encouraged to design and conduct their own research projects. Supervised by staff, they can contribute to the ongoing research of the English department, and joint publications with staff are often the result. The acquired empirical skills provide students with excellent qualifications for further study in Linguistics at doctoral level.