School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies
Paterson Hall 249
Telephone: 520-2802
Fax: 520-2642
E-mail: linguistics@carleton.ca
The School
Director:
I.W.V. Pringle
Supervisor of Graduate Studies:
Aviva Freedman
The School 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 practitionners in the field, and
is aimed at enhancing their understanding of:
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discourse processes and social contexts for language use
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first and/or second language acquisition and development
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educational contexts for and testing of such acquisition
Concentration is possible in one of the following three fields:
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English as a second language
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the acquisition and development of writing abilities
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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 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 5.0 credits (or the equivalent) in accordance
with the advice of the graduate supervisor. At the end of the qualifying-year
program, the School will determine the student’s eligibility to enter the
master’s program.
Master of Arts
Admission Requirements
The normal requirement for admission to the master’s program is an honours
B.A. degree in a discipline involving the analysis of language or the study
of language use or learning; or a pass B.A. in a relevant discipline together
with a B.Ed. or C.T.E.S.L. Students must have achieved high honours standing
(at least B+ in related courses and B– overall) in their academic work.
Relevant professional experience is also seriously considered in admissions
decisions. In some cases substantial professional experience and related
professional development may be accepted as an alternative to certain formal
academic work. Students whose previous studies include little work relevant
to applied language studies may be required to take up to two additional
1.0 credit courses for the master’s degree.
Program Requirements
Students will establish their programs in consultation with an adviser
from the School.
Each candidate will select one of the following program paths:
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Linguistics 29.552: Inquiry Strategies in Applied Language Studies; Linguistics
29.501: Directions in Applied Language Studies; plus 2.0 credits (or the
equivalent) from the School’s graduate listing; and a master’s thesis (29.599)
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Linguistics 29.552: Inquiry Strategies in Applied Language Studies; Linguistics
29.501: Directions in Applied Language Studies; plus 3.0 credits (or the
equivalent) from the School’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 1.0 credit offered in another
department.
Graduate students may take the equivalent of 1.0 full credit at the senior
undergraduate level, with the permission of the School adviser.
Guidelines for Completion of Master’s Degree
It is expected that students will progress steadily towards the completion
of requirements for the degree. In particular, it is normally expected
that:
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a full-time student will complete 3.0 credits of course work within two
terms of study, and an acceptable thesis proposal early in the third term
of study; or 4.0 credits of course work within three terms, and an acceptable
research essay proposal early in the fourth term; and all degree requirements
within six terms of study
-
a part-time student will complete 3.0 credits of course work within three
years of initial registration, and an acceptable thesis proposal early
in the fourth year; or 4.0 credits of course work within four years, and
an acceptable research essay proposal early in the fifth year; and all
degree requirements within six years of initial registration
-
a student who registers in a combination of full-time and part-time study
will, in consultation with an adviser, develop a schedule for completion
of course requirements and a thesis or research essay proposal, consistent
with times to completion stated above and with the overall time limits
specified in the General Regulations section in this Calendar
Academic Standing
A standing of B– or better must be obtained in each credit 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 School timetables published early in July for a list of
courses offered in 1997-98 and scheduling information.
Linguistics 29.501F1 or W1 or S1
Directions in Applied Language Studies
A survey of current research directions in applied language studies and
an introduction to ongoing research in the School. The course introduces
students to the scope of theory and practice in the field.
Linguistics 29.521F1 or W1 or S1
Language Classroom Research
Research into language learning in the classroom; methods for evaluating
classroom practices and materials.
Linguistics 29.522F1 or W1 or 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 29.523F1 or W1 or S1
Issues in English Language Training/Teaching.
A research seminar to explore current issues in English language training/teaching.
Linguistics 29.543F1 or W1 or S1
Language in the Classroom
Learning through language; studies of the use of language (as a resource
for education) in the classroom; methods for evaluating the effectiveness
of classroom discourse practices.
Linguistics 29.545F1 or W1 or 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 1997-98, course 29.545 was offered as 29.563.
Linguistics 29.551F1 or W1 or 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 or W1 or 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 29.554F1 or W1 or 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 or W1 or S1
Language Acquisition
Current models of first and second language acquisition, with emphasis
on empirical studies.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as
29.462, for which additional credit is precluded.
Linguistics 29.564F1 or W1 or S1
Aspects of Language Development
Empirical study of the development of syntax and the expansion of communicative
competence during the years of formal education; pedagogical implications.
Linguistics 29.565F1 or W1 or 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 or W1 or 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 or W1 or 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 School.
Linguistics 29.573F1 or W1 or 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 or W1 or S1
Research in Adult Literacy
Studies in adult reading; methods of identifying adult reading needs; sociolinguistics
of adult reading.
Linguistics 29.575F1 or W1 or S1
Second Language Writing: Research and Theory
Second language writing: research, theory, and pedagogy.
Linguistics 29.576F1 or W1 or 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 1997-98, course 29.576 was offered as 29.572.
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 School 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
M.A. Thesis