Graduate Calendar 2009-2010

Linguistics and Applied Language Studies

Paterson Hall 215
Telephone: 613-520-2802
Fax: 613-520-6641
carleton.ca/slals

The School

Director: R. Gess
Supervisor of Graduate Studies: D. Woods

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 a focus on language use and the development of language abilities in educational, professional and social contexts. This focus includes:

• The acquisition of additional languages and the development of multilingualism
• Written language and discourse and the critical analysis of their use in various contexts
• The development of writing abilities and literacies
• The teaching and assessment of language abilities and the analysis of the contexts in which these abilities are developed.

Concentration is possible in one of the following fields:

• The Teaching and Acquisition of Additional Languages
• The Nature, Acquisition and Teaching of Written Discourse/Literacies

Students are also able to combine these fields in their course work and research options.

The program is geared toward practitioners in these fields, and to theory- and research-oriented students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in related areas.

The M.A. in Applied Language Studies is a 5.0-credit program. Students may take one of three optional program paths: a thesis option (in which the thesis counts as two full credits), a research essay option (where the research essay counts as one credit), and a course work option.

Additional information may be obtained by consulting the supervisor of graduate studies.

Qualifying-Year Program

Applicants in the following categories may be admitted to a qualifying year program to be determined in accordance with university entrance regulations and the guidance of the supervisor of graduate studies, or advised to apply for the CTESL program as an equivalent to the qualifying year:

• applicants who hold a three-year degree with the equivalent of honours standing (at least B overall);
• applicants who hold an honours degree but lack academic background in relevant disciplines;
• applicants with a slightly lower academic standing (B-) but with relevant professional experience.

At the end of the qualifying year program, the School will determine the student's eligibility to enter the master's program. Courses taken as part of a qualifying year or equivalent are not eligible for advanced standing in the M.A. program.

Master of Arts

Admission Requirements

The normal minimum requirement for admission to the master's program is a B.A.(Honours) degree in a discipline involving the analysis of language or the study of language use or learning; or a 3 year B.A. in a relevant discipline together with a B.Ed. or C.T.E.S.L. Students must have achieved high honours standing (a minimum of B+ in related courses and B overall) in their academic work. Relevant professional experience may also enhance a candidate's application.

For other admission regulations not specific to the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, refer to the General Regulations section of the Graduate Calendar, in particular the subsection on Admission Requirements and Eligibility.

Program Requirements

Students will establish their programs in consultation with the School's supervisor of graduate studies.

Each candidate will select one of the following program paths:

• LALS 5001; LALS 5002 plus 2.0 credits from the School's graduate listing; and a master's thesis (LALS 5909).
• LALS 5001; LALS 5002 plus 3.0 credits from the School's graduate listing; and a research essay (LALS 5908).
• LALS 5001; LALS 5002 plus 4.0 credits from the School's graduate listing.

The choice of thesis, research essay, or credit program path will be made by the student, with the advice of the Supervisor. Relevant factors will include the student's academic goals, professional goals, and background knowledge.

LALS 5001 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 courses at the senior undergraduate (4th year) level up to a maximum of 1.0 credit. Permission of the School's graduate supervisor is required. Students may take a combination of senior undergraduate courses and 'piggybacked' courses (fourth-year courses also offered, with different requirements, at the graduate level) up to a maximum of 1.5 credits.

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:

• 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

Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca

For an updated description of Special Topics offerings, refer to the on-line version of the Linguistics and Applied Language Studies calendar entry at www.gs.carleton.ca/calendars/current/programs/linguistics.html

LALS 5001 [0.5 credit]

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.

LALS 5002 [0.5 credit]

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.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5502.

LALS 5005 [0.5 credit]

Theoretical Foundations for Applied Language Studies

Overview of the works of 20th and 21st-century theorists such as Bakhtin, Bourdieu, Burke, Foucault, Latour and Vygotsky.

LALS 5102 [0.5 credit]

Systemic-Functional Linguistics

Functions of language in the exchange of meanings between people in a wide variety of communicative situations. Semantic and syntactic resources at risk in these different contexts. Interactions between language and the social context. Also offered at the undergraduate level as LALS 4709, for which additional credit is precluded.
Precludes additional credit for LALS 5709 if taken prior to 2007-08.

Prerequisite: restricted to graduate students in Applied Language Studies and Journalism and Communication.

LALS 5103 [0.5 credit]

Major Structures of English

The structure of English language, highlighting important contrasts between English and other languages, and grammatical difficulties for ESL Learners. Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements as LALS 4801, for which additional credit is precluded.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5801 if taken prior to 2007-08.

LALS 5201 [0.5 credit]

Language Classroom Research

Research into language learning in the classroom; methods for evaluating classroom practices and materials.

LALS 5202 [0.5 credit]

Curriculum in Language Teaching

Current theory and practice in language curriculum development and evaluation in the light of recent research in linguistics, sociolinguistics, language acquisition and language education policy.

LALS 5203 [0.5 credit]

Issues in English Language Teaching/Teacher Education

A research seminar to explore current issues in English language teaching/teacher education.

LALS 5204 [0.5 credit]

Seminar in University Teaching

Theoretical and empirical work related to teaching in higher education. Analysis of instructional discourse, use of language in classroom decision-making, bases of effective practice and methods of instruction. Constructivist principles of teaching and learning. Role of teaching in university scholarship. (Also offered as PSYC 6104.)

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5905 (Section T, 1997-98), LALS 5905 (Section X, 1998-99), LALS 5905 (Section W, 1999-2000), LALS 5905 (Section W, 2000-01), LALS 5905 (Section X, 2001-02) and LALS 5905 (Section W, 2002-03).

LALS 5205 [1.0 credit]

Teaching English as a Second Language: Methodology

Classification of classroom teaching methods and materials; adaptation of teaching materials for particular situations; creation of teaching materials; teaching techniques and strategies. Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as LALS 4205, for which additional credit is precluded. Must be taken concurrently with LALS 5806.

LALS 5207 [0.5 credit]

Pedagogical Grammar in Second and

Foreign Language (SL/FL) Teaching
The concept of pedagogical grammar in SL/FL teaching. Critical examination of recent theories of 'focus on form' in communicative language classrooms, and related empirical work.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5905 (Summer 1999), LALS 5905 (Summer 2002) and LALS 5603 (if taken prior to 2007-08).

LALS 5208 [0.5 credit]

Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP)

Introduction to LSP, a sub-field of applied linguistics tailoring language instruction to specific groups of learners. Developments in strands of LSP (English for Science, Business, etc.). Research and teaching methodology. Emphasis on English for Academic Purposes/English for Specific Purposes research and instruction at Carleton.

Also offered at the undergraduate level with different requirements as LALS 4208, for which additional credit is precluded.

LALS 5209 [0.5 credit]

Social Theories of Language Learning

Social theories of language and language learning. Major theorists and paradigms, recent applications in language learning research and pedagogical implications for language teaching.

LALS 5301 [0.5 credit]

Language and Cognition

Structure and representation of linguistic knowledge in human cognition. Evidence from child language acquisition, language processing and language impairment. Also listed as CGSC 5003, for which additional credit is precluded.

LALS 5302 [0.5 credit]

Language Acquisition

Recent models of first and second language acquisition, with in-depth analysis of theoretical issues of current relevance and related empirical studies.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5601 if taken prior to 2007-08.

LALS 5303 [0.5 credit]

Linguistic Analysis, Culture and Cognition

Universals of language from a cross-cultural perspective. Study of lesser-known languages leading to critical understanding of universal human concepts and communication practices in culture-specific configurations. Cross-linguistic analysis as a means to general understanding of diversity and universality in human cognition.

LALS 5404 [0.5 credit]

Aspects of Bilingualism

Linguistic, psycholinguistic and cultural issues in bilingualism and bilingual education.
Prerequisite: fourth-year courses in linguistics or permission of the School.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5701 if taken prior to 2007-08.

LALS 5407 [0.5 credit]

Language Policy and Planning

Interaction of political, social, and cultural factors in the planning and implementation of language policy in international contexts.
Prerequisite: fourth-year courses in linguistics or permission of the School.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5707 if taken prior to 2007-08.

LALS 5408 [0.5 credit]

Critical Discourse Analysis

Discourse in the structuring of social and cultural change and in a wide range of contexts such as the media and education.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5905W (1998-99), LALS 5905W (1999-2000), and LALS 5708 (if taken prior to 2007-08).

LALS 5409 [0.5 credit]

Policy and Practice in Literacy and

Language Education
Regulation of literacy and language education programs and teaching through public discourse, government policy, and institutional accountability; institutional ethnography as a method for investigating this regulation.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5704 if taken prior to 2007-08.

LALS 5501 [0.5 credit]

Language Testing and Assessment

Issues in language testing and classroom assessment, including validity theory and current validation research; challenges in test development; washback; models of alternative assessment.

LALS 5504 [0.5 credit]

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.

LALS 5602 [0.5 credit]

Features and Principles of Academic Discourse

Examination of features and underlying principles of academic writing in various disciplines. Analysis of disciplinary texts in their particular social contexts.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5905 (2001-02) and LALS 5406 (if taken prior to 2007-08).

LALS 5605 [0.5 credit]

Research and Theory in Workplace Writing

Cognitive, social, and cultural approaches to research and theory in workplace writing from 1980s to the present. Writing as used in accomplishing work and how novices in professional sites learn to write effectively.

LALS 5606 [0.5 credit]

Adult Literacy Practices and Learning

Studies of adult literacy practices within social organization and action, and examination of literacy learning through engagement in social action.

LALS 5607 [0.5 credit]

Research and Theory in Academic Writing

Cognitive, social, and cultural approaches to research and theory in academic writing from 1970s to present. Nature and functions of academic writing, and implications for writing pedagogy.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5605 if taken prior to 2007-08.

LALS 5702 [0.5 credit]

Qualitative Research Methodologies in Writing Studies

Various qualitative methodologies employed for studying writing in school, workplace, and community. Examples may include case-study research, ethnography, discourse analysis, participatory action research, narrative analysis, mixed methods. Assumptions and principles underlying different methodologies.

LALS 5703 [0.5 credit]

Rhetorical Genre Studies

Overview of recent reconceptualizations of genre as social action; genre-based research into the nature of school and professional discourse; issues relating to genre acquisition and pedagogy.

LALS 5705 [0.5 credit]

Second Language Writing: Research and Theory

Second language writing: research, theory, and pedagogy.

LALS 5706 [0.5 credit]

Social Theories of Learning for Writing Studies

Recent social theories of learning and practice; application of these theories to writing research; pedagogical implications for writing in school and workplace settings.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5702 (taken prior to 1997-98).

LALS 5802 [0.5 credit]

Learning Across the Disciplines: A Research Practicum

For teachers or graduate student teachers, or tutors. Theories about and research into the role of language in learning and pedagogic situations which optimize that relationship. Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as LALS 4402, for which additional credit is precluded.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5402 if taken prior to 2007-08.

LALS 5806 [0.5 credit]

Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language: Experience in an ESL Teaching Situation

Integrates the academic dimension of the program with practical work. Observation in ESL classes and possible assistance with teaching materials or classes. Must be taken concurrently with LALS 5205.

Precludes additional credit for LALS 5206 if taken prior to 2007-08.

LALS 5902 [0.5 credit]

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.

LALS 5903 [0.5 credit]

Special Topics in the Teaching and Acquisition of Additional Languages

Exploration of topics from current research into the teaching and acquisition of additional languages. Topic to be announced.

LALS 5904 [0.5 credit]

Special Topics in Written Discourse/Literacies

Exploration of topics from current research into the nature, acquisition and teaching of written discourse/literacies. Topic to be announced.

LALS 5905 [0.5 credit]

Special Topics in Applied Language Studies

Exploration of a topic from current research in applied language studies. Topic to be announced.

LALS 5907 [1.0 credit]

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.

LALS 5908 [1.0 credit]

Research Essay

LALS 5909 [2.0 credits]

M.A. Thesis