Last updated: October 8, 2004 @ 02:56PM
Applied Linguistics (Teaching English as a Subsequent Language)
Graduate Officer
TBA
Professor
John Sivell
Associate Professors
Thomas Farrell, Glenwood Irons, Cheng Luo, Hedy McGarrell,
Assistant Professor
Deborah Yeager-Woodhouse
Department Chair
Richard Welland
Master of Arts Program
General Information
Administrative Assistant
Leona Volterman
905-688-5550, extension 3374
MC A 228
http://www.brocku.ca/appliedlang/
Teaching English as a Subsequent Language is a complex process, with a knowledge base combining such diverse areas as applied linguistics, language-teaching methodology, curriculum design, and testing. This MA program is designed to integrate these important elements in an educational experience promoting a high level of expertise and professionalism. Theory is closely linked with practice: the program encompasses not only more theoretical courses but also an optional practice-teaching course along with methods courses directed at the chief language skills. Faculty teaching in the program bring an exciting range of attributes, including extensive international experience, hands-on proficiency in ESL teaching right here in Canada, capacity in a range of different languages beyond English, and energetic research and scholarship published and presented around the world. Graduates of this exciting program will be excellently prepared as TESL professionals practising in Canada or abroad, and will enjoy a strong foundation for further graduate study at the doctoral level.
Admission Requirements
There are two program options: a Regular Entry Program and a special International Student Program. The International Student Program includes a summer bridging segment (LING 5N00) as well as academic mentoring throughout the academic year. However, all candidates, in both the Regular Entry Program and the International Student Program, choose courses from the same course bank and all study together in the same classes.
Strong English language skills are essential; candidates whose first language is not English must submit evidence of English language proficiency at a high level. Normally, a TOEFL score of at least 600 (with a TWE of 5 or above), an IELTS score of at least 7.0 (with a Writing sub-score of band 7 or higher), or an ITELP score of at least 600 (with a Writing sub-score of 250 or above) is required for entry into the International Student Program, which includes a special summer bridging program and other features designed for subsequent-language speakers of English who would benefit from a supportive environment while studying at this challenging academic level.
Native speakers of English and others with a close to native-like command of English should apply for admission to the Regular Entry Program, providing they also have the relevant academic background outlined below.
Applicants should have an undergraduate background in English, English Linguistics, TESL, or a comparable field, with a strong concentration on courses directly relevant to the theory and practice of Teaching English as a Subsequent Language (e.g. general linguistics, syntax, phonology, discourse analysis, or other linguistics courses with a focus on English; educational psychology or similar courses if related to ESL learning; ESL teaching methodology; or ESL practice teaching). Such a background will prepare candidates to apply for admission to the Regular Entry Program, providing their English language skills are sufficient. Applicants with ESL/EFL teaching experience as well as excellent language skills and a relevant academic background are likely to be particularly strong candidates.
Even with excellent language skills, applicants without such a thorough undergraduate grounding in TESL-relevant courses are very unlikely to be admitted to the Regular Entry Program.
In those circumstances, native speakers or others with a near-native command of English are advised to consider applying for the TESL Certificate program also offered by the Department of Applied Language Studies. TESL Certificate graduates with a strong 'B' average (mid-70s or higher) are well-placed to apply for admission to the MA-level study of TESL at Brock or elsewhere.
Non-native speakers of English with at least the minimum language scores indicated above, and with some TESL-relevant undergraduate courses but not a strong concentration in the area (at least three or four applicable courses) may apply for admission to the International Student Program, in which the summer bridging section includes review and reinforcement of TESL content-area themes.
Applicants will normally hold an honours undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum average of 75%. Applicants must supply a statement outlining their research background, interests and goals. The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and offer admission to a limited number of suitable candidates.
Candidates joining the regular-entry program should anticipate commencing courses in the month of September. Course work will normally be completed by the end of April, with the major essay finished by the end of August. Thesis-route students will typically require one or two terms longer to complete the degree.
International applicants joining under the terms of this special package should anticipate commencing the bridging session in the month of June, with credit courses beginning in the following September. Course work will normally be completed by the end of April, with the major essay finished by the end of August. Thus, the time commitment will be approximately 15 months (or slightly shorter if the major essay is completed very promptly).
University policy requires that full-time MA candidates who do not complete their program within twelve months shall continue to pay full fees on a term-by-term basis until all course work has been completed and the first draft of their thesis or major essay approved by their supervisor and the Coordinator.
Part-time students will be admitted only in exceptional circumstances.
Degree Requirements
Students will consult with the Coordinator when planning their programs of study. Graduate students follow either scheme A or scheme B.
Scheme A: Course Work and Thesis
Students must successfully complete the two core courses, two additional courses, and the MA thesis.
Core Courses
Additional courses (two of the following)
Thesis: LING 5F90 - M.A. Research and Thesis
Scheme B: Course Work and Major Essay
Students must successfully complete the two core courses, six additional courses, and the major essay. Students enrolled in the International Student Program will follow this Scheme; Regular Entry Program students may follow either Scheme A or Scheme B.
Major Essay Route
Core Courses
Additional courses (six of the following)
Major Essay: LING 5F89 - Major Essay
Course Descriptions
Note: Not all courses are offered in every session. The Coordinator will advise students which courses are to be offered in each session.