Department of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies Paterson Hall 249 Telephone: 788-2802 Fax: 788-2642 The Department Chair of the Department: William Cowan Departmental Supervisor of Graduate Studies: Richard Darville The Department of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies offers programs of study leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Applied Language Studies. Applied language studies may be distinguished by their focus on language learning, especially the acquisition of literacy and/or second languages, in a variety of contexts. The program is geared largely towards practitioners in the field, and is aimed at enhancing their understanding of: * discourse processes and social contexts for language use * first and/or second language acquisition and development * educational contexts for and testing of such acquisition Concentration is possible in one of the following three fields: * English as a second language * the acquisition and development of writing abilities * adult literacy In addition, individual programs may be drawn up for students who are interested in the connection among any of these three fields. Additional information may be obtained by consulting the departmental supervisor of graduate studies. Qualifying-Year Program Applicants who hold a pass degree with honours standing (at least B overall) may be admitted to the qualifying-year program. Normally, these students will be required to complete five full courses (or the equivalent) in accordance with the advice of the graduate supervisor. At the end of the qualifying-year program, the department will determine the student's eligibility to enter the master's program. Master of Arts Admission Requirements The minimum admission requirement for the master's program is an honours B.A. (or the equivalent) in Applied Linguistics with at least high honours standing (normally B+ or better in linguistics, B‘ or better overall) or a pass B.A. in a related discipline with the equivalent of the Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language or the Certificate in English Language and Composition completed with at least high honours standing (B+ in courses taken for the Certificate). Program Requirements Students will establish their programs in consultation with an adviser from the department. Each candidate will select one of the following program paths: * Linguistics 29.552: Inquiry Strategies in Applied Language Studies, Linguistics 29.501: Directions in Applied Language Studies, plus two full courses (or the equivalent) from the department's graduate listing and a master's thesis (29.599) * Linguistics 29.552: Inquiry Strategies in Applied Language Studies, Linguistics 29.501: Directions in Applied Language Studies, plus three full courses (or the equivalent) from the department's graduate listing and a research essay (29.598) Linguistics 29.501 is normally to be taken in the first fall term after admission to the program. Permission may be granted for enrolment in one course offered in another department. Graduate students may take the equivalent of one full-credit course at the senior undergraduate level, with the permission of the departmental adviser. Academic Standing A standing of B- or better must be obtained in each course counted towards the master's degree. Graduate Courses* The following is a list of all courses at the graduate level. Please note that not all courses are offered every year. Students should consult the university and departmental timetables published early in July for a list of courses offered in 1994-95 and scheduling information. * Linguistics 29.501F1, W1, S1 Directions in Applied Language Studies A survey of current research directions in applied language studies and an introduction to ongoing research in the Department. The course introduces students to the scope of theory and practice in the field. * Linguistics 29.521F1, W1, S1 The Second Language Classroom Research in second language classroom; methods for evaluating classroom practice and materials. * Linguistics 29.522F1, W1, S1 Curriculum Design in ESL Current theory and practice in ESL curriculum design in the light of recent research in linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics and language acquisition studies. * Linguistics 29.541F1, W1, S1 Pragmatics Aspects of speech act theory and linguistic pragmatics as applied to language learning, to the development of communicative competence, and to specific forms of discursive interaction. * Linguistics 29.543F1, W1, S1 The Mother Tongue Classroom Studies of the uses of language in mother tongue classrooms. Methods for evaluating the linguistic components and effectiveness of classroom practices and materials. * Linguistics 29.545F1, W1, S1 Written Language, Representation and Cognition Language and thought: social formation of mind and language; written and spoken discourse compared; models and taxonomies of written discourse; modes (narrative, exposition, argument) in traditional rhetoric and contemporary research; concepts of function and levels of abstracting. Before 1994-95 course 29.545 was offered as 29.563. * Linguistics 29.551F1, W1, S1 Language Testing Methods for the development of tests. Analytic techniques, including classical and IRT methods. Research in test-taking and test evaluation. * Linguistics 29.552F1, W1, S1 Inquiry Strategies in Applied Language Studies A consideration of various approaches to the design of studies and the collection and analysis of data. Naturalistic and quasi-experimental methods will be discussed. The role of statistics in disciplined inquiry, including an introduction to elementary procedures. * Linguistics 29.553F1, W1, S1 Statistics for Applied Language Studies Statistics and their application in both naturalistic and quasi-experimental inquiry in applied language studies. Exploratory and confirmatory approaches will be covered. * Linguistics 29.554F1, W1, S1 Evaluation in Applied Language Programs An examination of various evaluation paradigms and their application to problems of program and curriculum in applied language settings. The connections among and differences between research and evaluation models of inquiry. * Linguistics 29.561F1, W1, S1 Language Acquisition Current models of first and second language acquisition, with emphasis on empirical studies. * Linguistics 29.564F1, W1, S1 Aspects of First-Language Development Empirical study of the development of syntax and the expansion of communicative competence in the mother tongue during the years of formal education. Pedagogical implications. * Linguistics 29.565F1, W1, S1 Writing Research and Theory: Overview of Recent and Current Approaches Overview of trends and directions in composition research and theory since the 1970s, from the reinvention of rhetorical theory, to the application of cognitive models in research on composing, and the more recent importation of social constructivist paradigms. * Linguistics 29.566F1, W1, S1 Adult Literacy Acquisition Studies of adult literacy learners. Theories of adult learning. Relations between literacy and other linguistic abilities. Pedagogical implications. * Linguistics 29.571F1, W1, S1 Linguistic Aspects of Canadian Bilingualism The sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics of different kinds of bilingualism in Canada, with special emphasis on French-English bilingualism and English-heritage language bilingualism. Prerequisite: Honours courses in linguistics or permission of the Department. * Linguistics 29.573F1, W1, S1 Academic and Workplace Genres Overview of current reconceptualizations of genre as social action; recent research into the nature of school-based, professional, and workplace discourse; issues relating to genre acquisition and pedagogy. * Linguistics 29.574F1, W1, S1 Research in Adult Literacy Studies in adult reading. Methods of identifying adult reading needs. Sociolinguistics of adult reading. * Linguistics 29.576F1, W1, S1 Writing Research and Theory: Social and Cultural Dimensions Recent research in the social and cultural dimensions of learning to read and write; the uses and impact of written discourse in social contexts; writing in modern societies; the impact of electronic technology. Before 1994-95 course 29.576 was offered as 29.572. * Linguistics 29.581F1, W1, S1 Native Languages of Canada A tutorial to study the descriptive, historical, and anthropological aspects of selected native languages of Canada, among them Cree and Iroquois. Prerequisite: Honours courses in linguistics or permission of the Department. * Linguistics 29.592F1, W1, S1 Tutorial in Applied Language Studies A one-term tutorial to study applications of linguistics in such areas as first-language education and second-language teaching. * Linguistics 29.595F1, W1, S1 Special Topics in Applied Language Studies Exploration of a topic from current research in applied language studies. Students should check with the department regarding the topic addressed in any term. * Linguistics 29.597T2 Tutorial in Applied Language Studies A two-term tutorial to study applications of linguistics in such areas as first-language education and second-language teaching. * Linguistics 29.598F2, W2, S2 Research Essay * Linguistics 29.599F4, W4, S4 Master's Thesis