About the Program
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
Academic Regulations
- See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
- A standing of B- or better must be obtained in each credit counted towards the master's degree.
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:
- ALDS 5001; ALDS 5002 plus 2.0 credits from the School's graduate listing; and a master's thesis (ALDS 5909).
- ALDS 5001; ALDS 5002 plus 3.0 credits from the School's graduate listing; and a research essay (ALDS 5908).
- ALDS 5001; ALDS 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.
- ALDS 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.
- 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.
