School of Linguistics and Language Studies
236 Paterson Hall
613-520-2802
http://carleton.ca/slals
- M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
- M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with Specialization in African Studies
- M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with Specialization in Digital Humanities
- Ph.D. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
About the Program
The School of Linguistics and Language Studies offers a program of study leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies. This program emphasizes the central role of language in all aspects of educational, professional and social endeavours, focusing on how language is used and how effective language abilities are developed in these contexts. Specific areas of research and study include:
- Teaching English as a second and foreign language
- Curriculum and methodology in second and foreign language teaching
- Language learning and acquisition
- Language assessment and testing
- Writing and written genres in professional and academic contexts
- Adult Literacy, including literacy in bilingual and multi-lingual contexts
- Critical discourse analysis/systemic functional linguistics
- Language policy
Students in the program can concentrate their studies in one of the following fields or, alternatively, they can create a unique synthesis of the two fields which suits their own goals, interests and purposes:
- Applied Linguistics (the teaching and acquisition of additional languages)
- Discourse Studies (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 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:
| M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies - Thesis program (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5001 [0.5] | Directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
ALDS 5002 [0.5] | Inquiry Strategies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
| 2. 2.0 credits in graduate-level courses from the School of Linguistics and Language Studies | 2.0 | |
| 3. 2.0 credits in: | 2.0 | |
ALDS 5909 [2.0] | M.A. Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies - Research Essay program (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5001 [0.5] | Directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
ALDS 5002 [0.5] | Inquiry Strategies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
| 2. 3.0 credits in graduate-level courses from the School of Linguistics and Language Studies | 3.0 | |
| 3. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5908 [1.0] | Research Essay | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies - Coursework program (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5001 [0.5] | Directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
ALDS 5002 [0.5] | Inquiry Strategies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
| 2. 4.0 credits in graduate-level courses from the School of Linguistics and Language Studies | 4.0 | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
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 enrollment 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.
M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with Specialization in African Studies
| M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with Specialization in African Studies - Thesis program (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
AFRI 5000 [0.5] | African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives | |
| 2. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
AFRI 5800 [0.0] | Scholarly Preparation in African Studies | |
| 3. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5001 [0.5] | Directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
ALDS 5002 [0.5] | Inquiry Strategies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
| 4. 1.5 credits in graduate level courses from the School of Linguistics and Language Studies (in consultation with their advisor, students may take up to 1.0 credit in graduate courses from other programs at Carleton University or Ottawa University; up to 1.0 credit courses can be taken at the 4000 level courses; up to 1.5 credit courses can be taken in piggybacked courses) | 1.5 | |
| 5. 2.0 credits in: | 2.0 | |
ALDS 5909 [2.0] | M.A. Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with Specialization in African Studies - Research Essay program (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
AFRI 5000 [0.5] | African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives | |
| 2. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
AFRI 5800 [0.0] | Scholarly Preparation in African Studies | |
| 3. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5001 [0.5] | Directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
ALDS 5002 [0.5] | Inquiry Strategies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
| 4. 2.5 credits in graduate level courses from the School of Linguistics and Language Studies (in consultation with their advisor, students may take up to 1.0 credit in graduate courses from other programs at Carleton University or Ottawa University; up to 1.0 credit courses can be taken at the 4000 level courses; up to 1.5 credit courses can be taken in piggybacked courses) | 2.5 | |
| 5. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5908 [1.0] | Research Essay | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
M.A. Applied Linguistics with Specialization in Digital Humanities
| M.A. Applied Linguistics with Specialization in Digital Humanities - Thesis program (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5001 [0.5] | Directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
ALDS 5002 [0.5] | Inquiry Strategies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
| 2. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
DIGH 5000 [0.5] | Issues in the Digital Humanities | |
| 3. 0.5 credit in DIGH (DIGH 5001, DIGH 5012, or annually listed DIGH course) | 0.5 | |
| 4. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
| DIGH 5800 [0.0] | Digital Humanities: Professional Development | 0.0 |
| 5. 1.0 credit from the School's graduate listing | 1.0 | |
| 6. 2.0 credits in: | 2.0 | |
ALDS 5909 [2.0] | M.A. Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| M.A. Applied Linguistics with Specialization in Digital Humanities - Research Essay program (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5001 [0.5] | Directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
ALDS 5002 [0.5] | Inquiry Strategies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
| 2. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
DIGH 5000 [0.5] | Issues in the Digital Humanities | |
| 3. 0.5 credit in DIGH (DIGH 5011, DIGH 5012, or annually listed DIGH course) | 0.5 | |
| 4. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
DIGH 5800 [0.0] | Digital Humanities: Professional Development | |
| 5. 2.0 credits from the School's graduate listing | 2.0 | |
| 6. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5908 [1.0] | Research Essay | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| M.A. Applied Linguistics with Specialization in Digital Humanities - Coursework program (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 5001 [0.5] | Directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
ALDS 5002 [0.5] | Inquiry Strategies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
| 2. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
DIGH 5000 [0.5] | Issues in the Digital Humanities | |
| 3. 0.5 credit in DIGH (DIGH 5011, DIGH 5012, or annually listed DIGH course) | 0.5 | |
| 4. 0.5 credit in 5000-level ALDS with Digital Humanities focus or a DIGH course, chosen in consultation with the SLALS graduate supervisor | 0.5 | |
| 5. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
DIGH 5800 [0.0] | Digital Humanities: Professional Development | |
| 6. 2.5 credits from the School's graduate listing | 2.5 | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
Ph.D. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
About the Program
The School of Linguistics and Language Studies offers a program of study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies. This program comprises the following two fields:
- Applied Linguistics (the teaching and acquisition of additional languages)
- Discourse Studies (the nature, acquisition and teaching of written discourse and literacies)
This doctoral program builds on the School's M.A. program, focusing how language is used and how effective abilities are developed in one's first or second language in specific educational, professional and social contexts. The program allows students to develop their own specialized topics of study and research within or across the following areas:
- Teaching English as a second and foreign language
- Curriculum and methodology in second and foreign language teaching
- Language learning and acquisition
- Language assessment and testing
- Writing and written genres in professional and academic contexts
- Adult Literacy, including literacy in bilingual and multi-lingual contexts
- Critical discourse analysis/systemic functional linguistics
- Language policy
Academic Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar, and in addition the following:
Candidates must maintain a grade point average of 10.0 or better throughout this program.
Residence requirement
Ph.D. candidates must normally be registered full-time in a minimum of six terms to satisfy the residence requirement. If a candidate is registered part-time, the minimum residence requirement is eight terms.
Guidelines for completion of Ph.D. degree
Full-time Ph.D. students are normally expected to complete their requirements in four calendar years. All part-time students must complete their requirements within a period of nine years, as set out in the General Regulations in the Graduate Calendar.
Admission Requirements
The normal requirement for admission to the Ph.D. program is a Master's Degree in Applied Language Studies, Applied Linguistics, Teaching English as a Second Language, Composition and Rhetoric, or an acceptable equivalent field, with at least an A- average (10 G.P.A.).
Applicants whose academic preparation has deficiencies in certain areas may be admitted to the Ph.D. program with the requirement that they take additional courses. Applicants who have completed an M.A. in the School of Linguistics and Language Studies or elsewhere with an outstanding grade point average (11.0 or above), who are deemed to have an excellent background in and knowledge of research in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies at the Master's level, and who have a clear direction for their doctoral research, may be permitted to receive up to 2.0 credits of advanced standing of the first year's doctoral coursework requirement, with the possibility of moving directly into the second year of the program.
In addition to transcripts and letters of reference, applications will include a statement of interest outlining the applicant's proposed area of doctoral research and a representative sample of the applicant's academic writing.
Program Requirements
Program requirements for the Ph.D. are outlined in the General Regulations section of the Calendar. The specific program requirements for the doctoral program in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies are 10.0 credits, to include:
| Ph.D. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (10.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 6101 [0.5] | Doctoral Core Seminar in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Part I | |
ALDS 6102 [0.5] | Doctoral Core Seminar in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Part II | |
| 2. 1.0 credit in elective courses | 1.0 | |
| 3. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
ALDS 6201 [0.5] | Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Part I | |
ALDS 6202 [0.5] | Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Part II | |
| 4. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
ALDS 6301 [0.5] | Interpretive Analysis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies | |
| 5. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
ALDS 6109 [0.5] | Doctoral Project I: Literature Review | |
| 6. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
ALDS 6209 [0.5] | Doctoral Project II: Thesis Proposal | |
| 7. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
ALDS 6309 [0.5] | Doctoral Project III: Research Progress Report | |
| 8. 5.0 credits in: | 5.0 | |
ALDS 6909 [5.0] | Ph.D. Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 10.0 | |
Directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
A survey of current research directions in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies and an introduction to ongoing research in the School. The course introduces students to the scope of theory and practice in the field.
Inquiry Strategies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse 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.
Theoretical Foundations for Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Overview of the works of 20th and 21st-century theorists such as Bakhtin, Bourdieu, Burke, Foucault, Latour and Vygotsky.
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.
Prerequisite(s): restricted to graduate students in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies and Journalism and Communication.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as ALDS 4709, for which additional credit is precluded.
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 ALDS 4801, for which additional credit is precluded.
The Language Classroom: Theory, Research and Practice
Theories of language instruction and learning in classroom settings; examination of empirical research on pedagogical principles and practices; hands-on investigation of classroom processes.
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.
Issues in English Language Teaching/Teacher Education
A research seminar to explore current issues in English language teaching/teacher education.
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.
Precludes additional credit for LALS 5204 and LALS 5905 (Section W, 2000-01), LALS 5905 (Section X, 2001-02) and LALS 5905 (Section W, 2002-03).
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. Must be taken concurrently with ALDS 5806.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as ALDS 4205, for which additional credit is precluded.
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.
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 ALDS 4208, for which additional credit is precluded.
Language and Cognition
Structure and representation of linguistic knowledge in human cognition. Evidence from child language acquisition, language processing and language impairment.
Second Language Acquisition and Learning Theories
Current social and cognitive theories of knowledge and learning and their application to the acquisition of first and additional languages; relation of theory to empirical studies of language learning in classroom and natural settings.
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.
Language Policy and Planning
Interaction of political, social, and cultural factors in the planning and implementation of language policy in international contexts.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year courses in linguistics or permission of the School.
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.
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.
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.
Research and Theory in Workplace Writing
Developments in the study of workplace writing from the 1970s, with a focus on recent work. Discussion of how writing is used in accomplishing work, what constitutes proficiency in workplace writing, and how novices learn to write in the workplace.
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.
Research and Theory in Academic Writing
Major developments in the study of academic writing from the 1970s, with a focus on recent work. Discussion of what academic writing entails, what constitutes proficiency in academic writing, and how instruction can help students develop their writing abilities.
Approaches to Genre Studies
Major developments in the study of non-literary genres from the 1980s, with a focus on recent work. Consideration of genre as text-based social action. Discussion of genre as a central concept and tool of analysis in Writing Studies and Discourse Studies.
Second Language Writing: Research and Theory
Second language writing: research, theory, and pedagogy.
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 ALDS 5205.
Tutorial in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
A one-term tutorial to study applications of linguistics in such areas as first-language education and second-language teaching.
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.
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.
Special Topics in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Exploration of a topic from current research in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies. Topic to be announced.
Tutorial in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
A two-term tutorial to study applications of linguistics in such areas as first-language education and second-language teaching.
Research Essay
M.A. Thesis
Doctoral Core Seminar in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Part I
Detailed examination of foundational texts, current theories, and research methodologies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies.
Doctoral Core Seminar in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Part II
Detailed examination of foundational texts, current theories, and research methodologies in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies.
Directed Readings in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Research on a topic chosen in consultation with a faculty member and with the approval of the graduate supervisor.
Doctoral Project I: Literature Review
The production, oral presentation and written submission of a synthesis of a prescribed body of theory and research underlying the fields of Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies.
Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Part I
Field placement in an educational, workplace or community setting with guided reflective, theory-informed analysis of the field experience.
Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Part II
Field placement in an educational, workplace or community setting with guided reflective, theory-informed analysis of the field experience.
Doctoral Project II: Thesis Proposal
The production, public presentation, written submission, and defence of a proposal for the student’s thesis research.
Interpretive Analysis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
A seminar on approaches to the analysis of research data and the presentation of results. Focus on the student's own data collection process and the analysis of this data. Depending on the on-going research of the students enrolled in the course, either or both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be emphasized.
Doctoral Project III: Research Progress Report
A written progress report on the student’s thesis research, to be submitted concurrently as an article for an academically reviewed journal, or at a minimum a full write-up of a paper that has been accepted for presentation at an academically reviewed conference.
Ph.D. Thesis
This new course is required to support the new doctoral program, and follows the university norms for presentation and defence.
Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca