Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://calendar.carleton.ca.

School of Linguistics and Language Studies
236 Paterson Hall
613-520-2802
http://carleton.ca/slals

This section presents the requirements for programs in:

M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies
M.A. Applied Linguistics with Collaborative Specialization in Digital Humanities
Ph.D. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies

Program Requirements

M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (5.0 credits)

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:

Requirements - Thesis pathway (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. 1.0 credit in ALDS at the 5000 level		1.0
3. 1.0 credit in ALDS or LING at the 5000 level		1.0
4. 2.0 credits in:		2.0
ALDS 5909 [2.0]	M.A. Thesis
Total Credits		5.0

Requirements - Research Essay pathway (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 ALDS at the 5000 level		2.0
3. 1.0 credit in ALDS or LING at the 5000 level		1.0
4. 1.0 credit in:		1.0
ALDS 5908 [1.0]	Research Essay
Total Credits		5.0

Requirements - Coursework pathway (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 ALDS at the 5000 level		3.0
3. 1.0 credit in ALDS or LING at the 5000 level		1.0
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 Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (5.0 credits)

Requirements - Thesis pathway (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 from any 5000-level ALDS course (in consultation with their advisor, students may take up to 1.0 credit in graduate courses from other programs at Carleton University or the University of Ottawa; up to 1.0 credit can be taken at the 4000 level; up to 1.5 credits 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

Requirements - Research Essay pathway (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 from any 5000-level ALDS course (in consultation with their advisor, students may take up to 1.0 credit in graduate courses from other programs at Carleton University or the University of Ottawa; up to 1.0 credit can be taken at the 4000 level; up to 1.5 credits 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 Collaborative Specialization in Digital Humanities (5.0 credits)

Requirements - Thesis pathway (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. 1.0 credit from any 5000-level ALDS course		1.0
6. 2.0 credits in:		2.0
ALDS 5909 [2.0]	M.A. Thesis (in the specialization)
Total Credits		5.0

Requirements - Research Essay pathway (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 any 5000-level ALDS course		2.0
6. 1.0 credit in:		1.0
ALDS 5908 [1.0]	Research Essay (in the specialization)
Total Credits		5.0

Requirements - Coursework pathway (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 any 5000-level ALDS course		2.5
Total Credits		5.0

Ph.D. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (4.5 credits)

Requirements (4.5 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 6200 [1.0]	Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
or

ALDS 6211 [0.5] & ALDS 6212 [0.5]	Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies I Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies II
4. 0.5 credit in:		0.5
ALDS 6109 [0.5]	Doctoral Project I: Literature Review
5. 0.5 credit in:		0.5
ALDS 6209 [0.5]	Doctoral Project II: Thesis Proposal
6. 0.5 credit in:		0.5
ALDS 6309 [0.5]	Doctoral Project III: Research Progress Report
7. 0.0 credit in:		0.0
ALDS 6909 [0.0]	Ph.D. Thesis
Total Credits		4.5

Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (ALDS) Courses

ALDS 5001 [0.5 credit]
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.

ALDS 5002 [0.5 credit]
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.

ALDS 5005 [0.5 credit]
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.

ALDS 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.

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.

ALDS 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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 5203 [0.5 credit]
Issues in English Language Teaching/Teacher Education
A research seminar to explore current issues in English language teaching/teacher education.

ALDS 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 listed as PSYC 6104.

ALDS 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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 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 ALDS 4208, for which additional credit is precluded.

ALDS 5215 [1.0 credit]
Methodology and Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language
Classification of classroom teaching methods and materials; creation and adaptation of teaching materials for particular situations; teaching techniques and strategies. The required practicum portion of the course integrates academics with practical work. Observation in ESL classes and possible assistance with teaching materials or classes.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for ALDS 5205 (no longer offered), ALDS 5806 (no longer offered).

ALDS 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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also listed as CGSC 5003 and LING 5608.

ALDS 5302 [0.5 credit]
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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 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(s): fourth-year courses in linguistics or permission of the School.

ALDS 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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 5501 [0.5 credit]
Language Assessment Theory and Practice
Issues in language testing and classroom assessment, including validity theory and current validation research; challenges in test development; washback; models of alternative assessment.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 5604 [0.5 credit]
Statistics for Language Research
Application of statistical procedures to analysis of language data and to problems of measurement in experimental linguistics, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, and related fields.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also listed as LING 5606.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as ALDS 4606 and LING 4606., for which additional credit is precluded.

ALDS 5605 [0.5 credit]
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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 5607 [0.5 credit]
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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 5703 [0.5 credit]
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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 5705 [0.5 credit]
Second Language Writing: Research and Theory
Second language writing: research, theory, and pedagogy.

ALDS 5801 [0.5 credit]
Linguistic Field Methods
With a language consultant, students discover the phonological, morphological, and syntactic structures of the target language using linguistic elicitation. Language will vary from year to year, but will normally be a non-European language. Language documentation, data management, ethical issues surrounding research in indigenous communities.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also listed as LING 5801.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as LING 4801, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures three hours a week.

ALDS 5902 [0.5 credit]
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.

ALDS 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.

ALDS 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.

ALDS 5905 [0.5 credit]
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.

ALDS 5907 [1.0 credit]
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.

ALDS 5908 [1.0 credit]
Research Essay

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 5909 [2.0 credits]
M.A. Thesis

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 6101 [0.5 credit]
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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

ALDS 6102 [0.5 credit]
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.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): ALDS 6101.

ALDS 6105 [0.5 credit]
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.

ALDS 6109 [0.5 credit]
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.

Prerequisite(s): ALDS 6102.

ALDS 6200 [1.0 credit]
Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Field placement in an educational, workplace or community setting with guided reflective, theory-informed analysis of the field experience.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for ALDS 6201 (No longer offered), ALDS 6202 (No longer offered), ALDS 6211, ALDS 6212.

ALDS 6209 [0.5 credit]
Doctoral Project II: Thesis Proposal
The production, public presentation, written submission, and defence of a proposal for the student’s thesis research.

ALDS 6211 [0.5 credit]
Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies I
Field placement in an educational, workplace or community setting with guided reflective, theory-informed analysis of the field experience.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for ALDS 6200, ALDS 6201 (no longer offered), ALDS 6202 (no longer offered).

ALDS 6212 [0.5 credit]
Praxis in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies II
Field placement in an educational, workplace or community setting with guided reflective, theory-informed analysis of the field experience.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for ALDS 6200, ALDS 6201 (no longer offered), ALDS 6202 (no longer offered).

ALDS 6309 [0.5 credit]
Doctoral Project III: Research Progress Report
A written progress report on the student’s thesis research, which, in consultation with the thesis supervisor, can consist of a research article prepared for publication, a conference-based paper, or another format deemed of relevance to the student's doctoral research.

ALDS 6407 [0.5 credit]
Revitalization Policy
The core PhD seminar in Revitalization Policy. Topics include the detailed examination of foundational texts, current theories, research methodologies, and best practices in language revitalization. Includes significant focus on interactions with language communities, field methods, and related ethics.

ALDS 6909 [0.0 credit]
Ph.D. Thesis

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

Note: 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.

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

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.

Regularly Scheduled Break

For immigration purposes, the summer term (May to August) for the M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies including all specializations/concentrations is considered a regularly scheduled break approved by the University. Students should resume full-time studies in September.

Note: a Regularly Scheduled Break as described for immigration purposes does not supersede the requirement for continuous registration in Thesis, Research Essay, or Independent Research Project as described in Section 8.2 of the Graduate General Regulations.

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.

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

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 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.

Accelerated Pathway

The accelerated pathway in the School of Linguistics and Language Studies is a flexible and individualized plan of graduate study for students in their final year of a Carleton B.A. Honours degree, or equivalent, may qualify for this option.

Students in their third-year of study in the B.A. Honours degree in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies should consult with both the Undergraduate Advisor and the Graduate Advisor to determine if the accelerated pathway is appropriate for them and to confirm their selection of courses for their final year of undergraduate studies.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

Two ALDS courses at the 5000 level (excluding ALDS 5001 and ALDS 5002).
Minimal overall CGPA of B+

Students may receive advanced standing with transfer of credit of up to 1.0 credit which can reduce their time to completion.

Admission

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.

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.

Carleton University Calendars 2023-24 Edition

Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies

Program Requirements

M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (5.0 credits)

M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (5.0 credits)

M.A. Applied Linguistics with Collaborative Specialization in Digital Humanities (5.0 credits)

Ph.D. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (4.5 credits)

Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (ALDS) Courses

Regulations

Regularly Scheduled Break

Regulations

Residence Requirement

Guidelines for Completion of Ph.D.

Admission

Accelerated Pathway

Admission

Print Options

Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies

Program Requirements

M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (5.0 credits)

M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (5.0 credits)

M.A. Applied Linguistics with Collaborative Specialization in Digital Humanities (5.0 credits)

Ph.D. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (4.5 credits)

M.A. Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (5.0 credits)