ObjectivesApplied 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.
Entry requirementsThe program is geared toward practitioners in these fields, and to theory- and research-oriented students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in related areas.
Academic titleMaster of Arts in Applied Language Studies
Course descriptionThe 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.
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
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.
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.