Master of Arts - Applied Linguistics

  • School Brock University
  • Method At the institution
  • Location Calgary
  • Type Masters
  • Course fee By request
  • Comments This degree is offered jointly by Brock University, Lakehead University, the University of Western Ontario and the University of Windsor.
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Master of Arts - Applied Linguistics

  • Objectives Teaching English as a subsequent language is a complex process, with a knowledge base combining such diverse areas as applied linguistics, language-teaching methodology, curriculum design, and testing. This MA program is designed to integrate these important elements in an educational experience promoting a high level of expertise and professionalism.
  • Academic title Master of Arts - Applied Linguistics
  • Course description Scheme A: Course Work and Thesis

    Students must successfully complete the two core courses, two additional courses, and the MA thesis.

    Core Courses
    LING 5P00
    - Foundations of Language Teaching and Learning

    LING 5P85
    - Research Issues and Methodology in Subsequent Language Education

    Additional Courses (two of the following)
    LING 5P01
    - Sociolinguistics Applied to Language Teaching and Learning
    LING 5P02
    - Pedagogical Grammar: Theory, Research and Practice
    LING 5P03
    - Oral/Aural Skills in TESL: Theory, Research and Practice
    LING 5P04
    - Reading in TESL: Theory, Research and Practice
    LING 5P05
    - Writing in TESL: Theory, Research and Practice
    LING 5P07
    - Topics in Subsequent Language Acquisition Theory and Research
    LING 5P10
    - Independent Study (approval of the Graduate Committee required)
    LING 5V60-69
    - Special Issues in Applied Linguistics

    Thesis: LING 5F90 - M.A. Research and Thesis

    Scheme B: Course Work and Major Essay

    Students must successfully complete the two core courses, six additional courses, and the major essay. Students enrolled in the Bridged Entry Program will follow this Scheme, as well as take LING 5N01, 5N02 and 5N03 (the bridging courses); Regular Entry Program students may follow either Scheme A or Scheme B.

    Core Courses
    LING 5P00
    - Foundations of Language Teaching and Learning
    LING 5P85
    - Research Issues and Methodology in Subsequent Language Education

    Additional Courses (six of the following)
    LING 5P01
    - Sociolinguistics Applied to Language Teaching and Learning
    LING 5P02
    - Pedagogical Grammar: Theory, Research and Practice
    LING 5P03
    - Oral/Aural Skills in TESL: Theory, Research and Practice
    LING 5P04
    - Reading in TESL: Theory, Research and Practice
    LING 5P05
    - Writing in TESL: Theory, Research and Practice
    LING 5P07
    - Topics in Second Language Acquisition Theory and Research
    LING 5P10
    - Independent Study (approval of the Graduate Committee required)
    LING 5V60-69
    - Special Issues in Applied Linguistics

    Major Essay : LING 5F89 - Major Essay

    Course Descriptions:

    LING 5N01
    Academic and Cultural Orientation for Bridged Entry Graduate Students in Applied Linguistics (1)
    Foundation of advanced academic skills in research, note-taking, essay writing, and seminar presentation through a survey of fundamentals in Applied Linguistics combined with guidance in individual and group assignments. Orientation to Brock's library and academic computing resources, and to diverse aspects of life in the Niagara Peninsula region.
    Lectures, seminars, 15 hours per week (June - July)

    LING 5N02
    Academic and Cultural Orientation for Bridged Entry Graduate Students in Applied Linguistics (2)
    Continued attention to socio-cultural enrichment and the development of academic skills in preparation for credit work at the MA level. Observation of ESL classes in the Ontario context. Preparation of linguistic and TESL background as related to MA work.
    Lectures, seminars, 15 hours per week (July - August)

    LING 5N03
    Fundamentals in Applied Linguistics
    Continued preparation of linguistics and Teaching English as a Subsequent Language background as related to MA work. Brief introduction to aspects of applied linguistics as preliminaries to credit course work.
    (July-August)

    LING 5P00
    Foundations of Language Teaching and Learning
    Linguistic, educational and social foundations of subsequent language teaching in the Canadian context as well as in international settings. Models of curriculum design and student assessment. Current trends in language teaching, program development, professional development, and related areas.
    Seminars, 3 hours per week

    LING 5P01
    Sociolinguistics Applied to Language Teaching and Learning
    Theoretical concepts and research findings in sociolinguistics applied to the teaching and learning of English as a subsequent language. Focus on the social and cultural aspects of language, on the collaborative and social aspects of language learning, on the link between language and personal or social identity, and on the influence of the social world on language use, learning and teaching.
    Seminars, 3 hours per week

    LING 5P02
    Pedagogical Grammar: Theory, Research and Practice
    Models of pedagogical grammar and their relationship to theories of subsequent language acquisition. Focus on issues arising in classroom learning. Application of grammar analyses to learning/teaching situations. Survey and critique of selected Information Technology tools available for the development of grammar skills.
    Seminars, 3 hours per week

    LING 5P03
    Oral/Aural Skills in TESL: Theory, Research and Practice
    Theoretical insights and research findings relevant to the pedagogy of speaking and listening, including articulatory and acoustic phonetics, computer analysis of speech, models of oral interaction and of listening comprehension, and trends in speaking/listening instruction. Canadian Language Benchmarks for speaking and listening.
    Seminars, 3 hours per week

    LING 5P04
    Reading in TESL: Theory, Research, and Practice
    Models of the process and pedagogy of subsequent language reading . Practical and theoretical foundations for decisions regarding materials design and instructional methodology, including Canadian Language Benchmarks.
    Seminars, 3 hours per week

    LING 5P05
    Writing in TESL: Theory, Research, and Practice
    Theoretical models of writing and instructional practices. Current issues in ESL writing research and teaching, including genre theory, contrastive rhetoric, feedback and assessment, Information Technology.
    Seminars, 3 hours per week

    LING 5P07
    Topics in Subsequent Language Acquisition Theory and Research
    Critical examination of current theories and key issues in subsequent language acquisition research, from various perspectives (linguistic, psycholinguistic, sociolinguistic, etc.). Integration of theoretical models, research evidence and practice.
    Seminars, 3 hours per week

    LING 5P10
    Independent Study
    Research project carried out in collaboration with a faculty member. Enrichment of theoretical knowledge in a particular area of TESL, and development of the ability to apply that knowledge practically.
    NOTE: Approval of the Graduate Committee is required for registration in this course.

    LING 5P85
    Research Issues and Methodology in Subsequent Language Education
    Research methods and issues in subsequent language teaching, curriculum design, professional development, student assessment, program evaluation, and related areas.
    Seminars, 3 hours per week

    LING 5V60-69
    Special Issues in Applied Linguistics
    Selected issues in the theory and/practice of applied linguistics. Topics according to the specific areas of instructional expertise.
    Seminars, 3 hours per week

    LING 5F89
    Major Essay
    Major essay, under the supervision of a faculty supervisor, on a specific issue in subsequent language teaching, curriculum design, professional development, student assessment, program evaluation, or a related area.
    Prerequisite: Completion of all course work; approval of the major essay topic by the supervisor.

    LING 5F90
    MA Research and Thesis
    A research project involving the preparation and defence of a thesis on a topic in subsequent language teaching, curriculum design, professional development, student assessment, program evaluation, or a related area, demonstrating capacity for independent work. Research to be conducted under the supervision of a faculty supervisor and defended at an oral examination.
    Prerequisite: Completion of all course work ; approv al of the thesis proposal by the MA Program Committee.
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