Coursework

Students in PULSAR participate in a 1-credit seminar each semester (MLSC 308) during which they learn about a variety of research topics in language science as well as participating in research skills and professional/career development workshops (e.g. resume writing, applying to graduate school).

Most students have already completed at least one introductory language science course when they join the program and this course counts towards the 15-credit PULSAR coursework requirement. Students who have not taken any of the following suggested prerequisites should contact the PULSAR Director (pulsar@umd.edu) to discuss their background before applying to the program.

Recommended prerequisite course options (any one of the following):

LING 200: Introductory Linguistics
LING 240: Language and Mind
HESP 120: Introduction to Linguistics
ENGL 280: The English Language
SLLC 305: Language, Identity and Diversity in the USA (formerly HONR258Z)

Additional course options for the program

Courses can include anything on the science of language. New courses are frequently developed on campus, so the following list is best thought of as examples of possible courses rather than being a definitive list of options.  Students selected for the program will need to have their actual course plan approved by the PULSAR Director.

TLPL 441: Pedagogy of Teaching English Language Learners (Formerly EDCI 434: Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language)
TLPL 443: Understanding Cross-Cultural Communication for Teaching English Language Learners (Formerly EDCI 436)
EDHD 425: Language Development and Reading Acquisition
ENGL 384: Concepts of Grammar
HESP 300: Introduction to Psycholinguistics
HESP 400: Speech and Language Development in Children
LING 240: Language and Mind
LING 311: Syntax I
LING 321: Phonology I
LING 444: Child Language Acquisition
EDSP 376: Fundamentals of Sign Language
EDSP 476: Communicating with Sign Language
 

Courses taught in languages other than English:

CHIN 307: Linguistic Landscape of China
GERS 204: German Grammar Review

(PULSAR students interested in the teaching of language learners may want to consider a minor in TESOL)