What is Cognitive Linguistics? "Cognitive linguistics goes
beyond the visible structure of language and investigates the
considerably more complex backstage operations of cognition
that create grammar, conceptualization, discourse, and thought
itself. The theoretical insights of cognitive linguistics are
based on extensive empirical observation in multiple contexts,
and on experimental work in psychology and neuroscience. Results
of cognitive linguistics, especially from metaphor theory and
conceptual integration theory, have been applied to wide ranges
of nonlinguistic phenomena." —Gilles Fauconnier.
2006. "Cognitive Linguistics." Encyclopedia of
Cognitive Science. John Wiley & Sons. Pdf
of full article.
Candidates may apply for admission to the program, with the
purpose of pursuing the M.A. degree, or to non-degree status,
with the purpose of taking courses for credit that could be
transferred to other institutions. Potential applicants should
send initial inquiries to Professor Per Aage Brandt and Professor
Todd Oakley, co-directors of admission, at coglingadmission@case.edu.
A web-based application procedure for the degree program is
available through the
Online Application Page. Students interested in non-degree
enrollment should consult the School of Graduate Studies webpage
for Non-Degree
Students.  In order to fullly and fairly consider each applicant's case for the 2009-2010 academic year, we need to receive all materials (including the online application, statement of purpose, writing sample, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation) by 1 may 2010.
The degree program follows Plan A as described in the Graduate
Student Handbook of Case Western Reserve University. Accordingly,
it requires 30 credit hours and a written M.A. thesis. Committees
to supervise theses consist of three members of the faculty
and otherwise conform to the requirements of the School of Graduate
Studies. Click here for the basic guidelines for completing a MA Thesis.
A canonical interval for completing the program is four semesters,
although periods of study longer or shorter can be arranged,
and part-time enrollment is possible. The required courses include
a two-semester theory sequence, a concurrent two-semester workshop
sequence, electives, and 12 credit hours of thesis work.
| Illustrative schedule for the M.A.
in Cognitive Linguistics (30 credit hours) |
| Year 1 Fall |
COGS 406: Theory of cognitive linguistics
I (3 credit hours) |
COGS 408: Workshop in cognitive linguistics
I (3 credit hours) |
Elective:
e.g., COGS 404, 413, 415, 427 (3 credit hours), |
| Year 1 Spring |
COGS 407: Theory of cognitive linguistics II (3 credit
hours) |
COGS 409: Workshop in cognitive linguistics II (3 credit
hours) |
Elective:
e.g,, COGS 404, 413, 415, 427 (3 credit hours), |
| Year 2 Fall |
COGS 651: M.A. thesis work (6 credit hours) |
| Year 2 Spring |
COGS 651: M.A. thesis work (6 credit hours) |
| A second illustrative schedule for
the M.A. in Cognitive Linguistics (30 credit hours) |
| Year 1 Fall |
Fall Remedial/preparatory work in linguistics
(e.g., enrollment in our existing fundamentals course, ENGL
401, Linguistic Analysis, as well as our courses at the
undergraduate level) |
COGS 406: Theory of cognitive linguistics
I (3 credit hours) |
COGS 408: Workshop in cognitive linguistics
I (3 credit hours) |
| Year 1 Spring |
COGS 407: Theory of cognitive linguistics II (3 credit
hours) |
COGS 409: Workshop in cognitive linguistics II (3 credit
hours) |
Elective:
e.g,, COGS 413, 414, 415, 427 (3 credit hours) |
| Year 2 Fall |
Additional Elective: e.g., COGS 413, 414,
415, 427 (3 credit hours) |
COGS 651: M.A. thesis work (6 credit hours) |
| Year 2 Spring |
COGS 651: M.A. thesis work (6 credit hours) |
Descriptions of courses
COGS 406 & 407: Theory of cognitive linguistics I &
II. This two-semester sequence introduces students to core theoretical
concepts in cognitive linguistics (cognitive grammar, construction
grammar, conceptual integration, etc.) through readings and
seminar-style discussions.
COGS 408 & 409: Workshop in cognitive linguistics I &
II. This two-semester sequence gives students the opportunity
to do empirical work and provides a direct introduction to empirical
methods.
The Theory sequence teaches principles and concepts of language.
The Workshop sequence trains students in hands-on research in
challenging problems. The Workshop is an indispensable counterpoint
to the Theory sequence, since theory cannot be well understood
without direct engagement with specific problems. The Workshop
will also develop a community of research and help guide students
toward their distinctive research topics.
Potential electives include
COGS 404: Conceptual Blending
COGS 413: Special topics (e.g. computational approaches;
frame analysis; unification grammar; linguistic relativity;
cognitive phonetics, . . .
COGS 415: Mental Space Theory
COGS 425: Discourse and Cognition
COGS 426: Cognitive Approaches to Music
COGS 427: Gesture in Cognition & CommunicationCOGS 452: Language, Cognition, and Religion
Applications would be submitted through the on-line application
system found at https://www.applyweb.com/apply/cwrug/menu.html.
Requirements for admission to the M.A. degree program
Case Western Reserve University has standard criteria for all
applicants to graduate programs. These include standard GRE
scores, at least three letters of recommendation, official transcripts
from degree-granting institutions, and, for all international
students, recent TOEFL scores. The admissions process for the
M.A. in Cognitive Linguistics would additionally require a statement
of purpose and a writing sample. Applicants will be expected
to have a formation in one of the areas that contributes to
cognitive linguistics, but the history and quality of that formation
will need to be judged case-by-case. For example, an applicant
may have come to the study of cognitive linguistics after taking
an undergraduate degree in cognitive science, computer science,
neurobiology, psychology, languages and literature, or formal
linguistics, and have acquired through work in industry or self-directed
study a familiarity with the elements of cognitive linguistics.
Applicants for the degree program will also be expected to have
demonstrated an interest in research and the likelihood of being
able to complete a research-oriented thesis. We routinely calculate
equivalencies of foreign degrees and coursework.
Applying for Admission to the Integrated Graduate Study Program
in Cognitive Linguistics
Undergraduates pursuing a B.A. in any major in the university
are eligible to pursue the M.A. in Cognitive Linguistics during
their final year of study. Interested students should meet with
Lynmarie Hamel, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies, to
determine their eligibility. In addition the standard eligibility
criteria for the Integrated Graduate Study Program, prospective
students must also follow the standard admission procedures
and requirements described above for the M.A. in Cognitive Linguistics.
Links
Application
and Recommendation Forms
Graduate
School site for prospective students
Tuition
and Fees
Financial Aid
Admission
to non-degree study
Career Possibilities
Career Center
Cognitive Linguistics Conferences:
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