ObjectivesTeaching 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 titleMaster of Arts - Applied Linguistics
Course descriptionScheme 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.