M.A. in Cognitive Linguistics / Now accepting applications for 2013-2014

[Mark Turner]

MA in Cognitive Linguistics

The Cognitive Science Department at Case Western Reserve University is unique in the nation for its focus on higher-order human cognition in relation to language, communication, culture, creativity, and design.   The MA program in Cognitive Linguistics, one of two in the world and the only one in the United States, offers students from various backgrounds the opportunity to pursue research interests in these domains. 

Cognitive linguistics, which has arisen during the last thirty years, is a central component of cognitive science and a widely recognized and practiced area of research which interacts with many other disciplines: computer science, cognitive neuroscience, anthropology, psychology, and semiotics. Cognitive linguistics views language as an aspect of cognition and inseparable as a cognitive system from conceptual structure; it approaches language as a behavior integrated with other higher-order human behaviors such as gesture, signing, joint attention, collective intention, and social interaction.

The M.A. in Cognitive Linguistics at Case Western Reserve University is designed to be distinctive in its methodology and its pedagogy. Above all, it will integrate across disciplines traditionally partitioned. The program includes a year-long course in Theory, a coordinate year-long Research Workshop, several elective courses, and a substantial thesis. The Theory, Workshop, Electives, and Thesis courses will provide instruction in the principal areas needed for the cognitive scientific study of language. This Case M.A. program follows a model according to which learning is combined with doing research, on the view that much of what one learns, and learns best, is actually acquired not in the abstract but in attempts at application.

A master's degree in Cognitive Linguistics can be the basis for many different kinds of academic and non-academic careers. The demand for those with a formation in cognitive science runs across industry, government, and educational and cultural institutions. Fields that show a growing interest in job candidates with expertise in cognitive studies include the technology sector, particularly in natural language processing and human interface design; education and related institutions, such as museums; human factors engineering; organizational behavior in management; marketing; and politics.

For additional information, contact Professor Mark Turner, acting director, at coglingadmission at case.edu, or visit our Web site at http://case.edu/artsci/cogs/malinguisticsapplying.html .

Priority attention will be given to applicants who submit all materials (including the online application form, statement of purpose, writing sample, transcripts, and GRE scores) by 1 May 2013.

Program Faculty

    Patrizia Bonaventura, Assistant Professor of Communication and Cognitive Science
    Todd Oakley, Professor of Cognitive Science
    Fey Parrill, Associate Professor of Cognitive Science
    Yanna Popova, Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science
    Vera Tobin, Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science    
    Mark Turner, Institute Professor and Professor of Cognitive Science, Acting Director of the MA Program in Cognitive Linguistics,  http://markturner.org