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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

An introduction to the contribution of theoretical linguistics and linguistic research to cognitive science.
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.

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 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 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 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