ObjectivesThe Masters of/Magisteriate in Arts in Applied Linguistics has as its objective to broaden the scope of theoretical knowledge in the field of applied linguistics and to find new and practical applications for that knowledge. The program offers students an environment in which they can hone their academic and research skills while developing their ideas for practical applications.
Entry requirementsThe program is intended primarily for students with experience teaching second languages who wish to pursue graduate study in areas related to second language teaching and learning.
Academic titleMaster of Arts in Applied Linguistics
Course descriptionOption A: M.A. with Thesis
All students must:
• take APLI 604, APLI 621, APLI 660 (9 credits);
• take 3 credits from each of the three clusters (9 credits);
• take 6 additional credits from any of the clusters, electives, or courses
approved by the Graduate Program Director
• write a thesis proposal, APLI 690 (3 credits);
• write a thesis, APLI 691 (18 credits)
Up to 9 credits from other departments or universities may be credited toward the
degree.
Option B: M.A. without Thesis
All students must:
• take APLI 604, APLI 621, APLI 660 (9 credits);
• take 6 credits form each of the three clusters (18 credits);
• take 12 additional credits from any of the clusters, electives, or courses
approved by the Graduate Program Director;
• write a research paper, APLI 696 (6 credits)
Up to 9 credits from other departments or universities may be credited toward the
degree.
Core Courses
All students must successfully complete the following 3-credit core courses (total for core
courses: 9 credits): APLI 604 Applied Language Studies, APLI 621 Issues in Second
Language Acquisition, and APLI 660 Research Methods.
APLI 604 Applied Language Studies (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TESL 221 or TESL 231 or equivalent.
This course examines the different theoretical concepts and methods used to analyze
and describe the linguistic structure of language, and explores ways in which these can
be applied to the teaching of second languages. The course introduces students to the
key concepts that characterize the different components of language, namely phonology,
morphology, syntax and semantics, within an approach that recognizes that languages
can be affected by the social, psychological, and pragmatic aspects of human behaviour.
APLI 621 Issues in Second Language Acquisition (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TESL 341 or equivalent.
Research in second language acquisition (SLA) is surveyed in this course. Students
read, critique, and discuss a number of research reports and survey articles on topics
including research techniques in SLA, individual differences believed to affect success in
second language learning (e.g., age, motivation), the systematicity of learner language
(interlanguage, developmental sequences), the influence of learners' first language on
the structure of their interlanguage, the development of general theories of SLA. The
course concludes with a discussion of SLA research carried out in classroom settings.
APLI 660 Research Methods (3 credits)
The principal aims of the course are to enable students better to evaluate reports of
empirical research in the language sciences and to plan limited studies of their own.
Emphasis will be placed upon the logic of research designs, the nature of scientific
proof, and the assumptions underlying data analytic procedures. Case studies of
published research, readings and lectures will illustrate the concepts of data, scales,
models, sampling, theory, description, estimation and significance testing.
Cluster Courses
Thesis students take a minimum of one course from each cluster; non-thesis students
take a minimum of two courses from each cluster.
Cluster A: Theoretical Perspectives on Second Language Acquisition
APLI 623 Sociolinguistic Aspects of Bilingualism and Multilingualism
Prerequisite: TESL 341 or equivalent.
This course is an introduction to educational and sociolinguistic issues affecting the
promotion and maintenance of individual and societal bilingualism, multilingualism, and
multiculturalism. The societal consequences of being multilingual and multicultural and
the perspectives of both students and educators in multilingual/multicultural language
classrooms will be examined.
Note: Students who have received credit for APLI 642 may not take this course for
credit.
APLI 624 Psycholinguistic Aspects of Second Language Acquisition
Prerequisites: APLI 660 previously or concurrently; TESL 341 or equivalent.
This course examines issues in second language acquisition and
bilingualism/multilingualism from a cognitive (psycholinguistic) perspective. The aim of
the course is to familiarize students with basic psycholinguistic concepts of language
representation and use, focusing on the learning of different aspects of language, the
role of attention and memory in language acquisition, the development of language
comprehension and production skills, and the cognitive consequences of
bilingualism/multilingualism. Throughout the course, emphasis is given to understanding
research methodologies used in psycholinguistic investigations.
Note: Students who have received credit for APLI 642 may not take this course for
credit.
APLI 634 Cross−Linguistic Influence
Prerequisite: TESL 341 or equivalent.
This course provides an overview of different perspectives that have been taken on the
ways previously learned languages affect the learning of subsequent languages. Topics
include: the contrastive analysis and error analysis approaches; avoidance; markedness;
selective, bidirectional, and conceptual transfer; and factors affecting cross−linguistic
influence among trilingual and multilingual speakers. Throughout the course, the
implications for language teaching of the theoretical perspectives and empirical findings
are considered.
Cluster B: Focus on language
APLI 601 Phonological Aspects of Second Language Acquisition
Prerequisite: APLI 604 (previously or concurrently).
This course is an introduction to second language phonology, with emphasis on how
theoretical knowledge and research can be applied to the teaching of pronunciation in
traditional and computer-based environments. This course familiarizes students with the
English sound system and associated phonetic phenomena, research in the
development of second language phonology, and key concepts in phonemic
representation, production and perception.
APLI 610 Teaching and Learning Second Language Vocabulary
Prerequisite: TESL 341 (or equivalent) or APLI 604.
The course provides an overview of research perspectives on second language
vocabulary acquisition. Topics include the characteristics of lexis, the structure of the
mental lexicon, implicit and explicit learning, and issues in assessment. The course also
outlines a research-informed approach to instruction: in addition to examining both old
and new techniques for teaching vocabulary, it explores developments in corpus
linguistics that are relevant to vocabulary instruction and materials design.
APLI 616 Pedagogical Grammar
Prerequisite: APLI 604 previously or concurrently.
This course surveys the theoretical and empirical literature related to the teaching and
learning of grammar in second language classrooms. Topics include the nature of
pedagogical rules, the use of metalinguistic terminology, teachers' knowledge and
beliefs, learner characteristics, task types, and sequencing. Students also study a
grammar structure in depth for which they subsequently develop, pilot, and critically
evaluate a set of instructional materials.
Cluster C: Focus on the Classroom
APLI 630 Second Language Syllabus Design and Curriculum Planning
Prerequisite: TESL 324 or TESL 424 or equivalent.
The aims of the course are to examine the evolution of the syllabus in second language
teaching and to consider issues related to the development, planning and
implementation of language programs in a range of educational settings. Topics include
the history of second language teaching; current issues in pedagogical practice;
assessment of student needs; and the design, sequencing, and evaluation of language
teaching materials.
Note: Students who have received credit for APLI 638 may not take this course for
credit.
APLI 635 Language Assessment
Prerequisite: TESL 324 or TESL 424 or equivalent.
The course provides an overview of theory and research that informs language testing.
Students explore historical developments, as well as current trends in language
assessment. The course enables them to critically evaluate a range of test types
including standardized placement instruments, diagnostic tests, progress/achievement
measures, and non−traditional assessment techniques. Students are guided in
designing sample tests; they are also familiarized with established methods for analyzing
test items and interpreting results.
APLI 644 Technology in Language Learning
Prerequisite: TESL 341 or equivalent.
This course explores theoretical and applied issues related to the use of technology in
second language learning and teaching. The principal aims of the course are to enable
students to critically evaluate existing instructional uses of technology and to design
methodologically sound technology−based materials for second language teaching.
Emphasis is placed on developing skills needed for the integration of instructional
technology into second language instruction.
Elective Courses
Each year the department offers a selection of courses from those listed below. All
courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
APLI 613 History of the English Language
APLI 643 Pragmatics and Second Language Acquisition
APLI 646 Literacy
APLI 647 Supervision of Practice Training
APLI 651 Special Topics in Applied Linguistics I
APLI 652 Special Topics in Applied Linguistics II
APLI 653 Special Topics in Applied Linguistics III
APLI 654 Special Topics in Applied Linguistics IV
APLI 655 Special Topics in Applied Linguistics V
APLI 656 Special Topics in Applied Linguistics VI (6 credits)
APLI 671 Reading Course in Applied Linguistics I
APLI 672 Reading Course in Applied Linguistics II
APLI 673 Reading Course in Applied Linguistics III
APLI 674 Reading Course in Applied Linguistics IV
APLI 675 Reading Course in Applied Linguistics V (6 credits)
Thesis
APLI 690 Thesis Proposal (3 credits)
APLI 691 Thesis (18 credits)
APLI 696 Research Paper (6 credits)
Courses Outside the TESL Centre
Students may take up to 9 credits outside the program, either in another Concordia
University department (e.g., the Department of Education) or in another university (e.g.,
the Linguistics Department at McGill University). The 9 credit limit normally includes pro
tanto credits granted at the time of admission. Authorization to register for courses
outside Concordia must be obtained from the Graduate Program Director, the Dean of
Graduate Studies, and the Registrar. The inter-university agreement form may be
obtained from the Graduate Program Coordinator
ENGR 6951 Seminar in Space Studies
ENGR 7201 Microgravity Fluid Dynamics
MECH 7221 Space Flight Mechanics and Propulsion Systems