Linguistics is the systematic study of the nature and the use of language. This involves examining the structures of languages, the uses of language, the ways in which languages differ and those properties which they have in common. Theories about language and its uses in society are studied and evaluated, and various applications of linguistics and linguistic knowledge are covered. Postgraduate linguistics at Monash focuses in particular upon sociolinguistics (language in society), discourse studies and the applications of linguistics to language issues (including the teaching and learning of languages, literacy, bilingualism, language policies, language planning, etc).
The
school accepts suitably qualified candidates for research degrees in
linguistics (PhD or MA). Refer to the front of the Arts postgraduate section
and http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/prospective/postgraduate/disciplines/
for further information on the PhD and research masters.
Various coursework programs in applied linguistics, ranging from the Master of
Arts to the faculty certificate are offered. Students normally commence
coursework programs in semester 1 (March), but in certain circumstances it is
feasible to commence in semester 2 (July). Students who think that they may
wish to do this should contact the relevant course coordinator.
The school has moved towards a mixed-mode program which allows many students to
study mainly by distance education. All research programs, the research
components of coursework-and-research programs, and research projects forming
parts of coursework programs will continue to be available on campus; but most
coursework subjects will, from now on, be available to new students by distance
education only (although some will also be offered on campus - refer to
ALM subject listings for details).
Course
code: 2846 * Course fees: Local students - HECS * Coordinator: Keith
Allan
The MA may be taken as a research degree by thesis only
(100 per cent) or by thesis (66 per cent) and coursework
comprising two 12-point linguistics subjects at fifth-year level.
Applicants with at least an honours degree with a grade of H1 or H2A, or the equivalent, and who have appropriate training in linguistics, can normally be admitted directly. Candidates who do not satisfy these entry requirements may be admitted after successfully completing the masters qualifying program with a research component with an overall grade of H1 or H2A and a grade of distinction or above for the research component.
The
research degree can be undertaken by thesis alone (100 per cent) or
coursework combined with research (66 per cent). Candidates
undertaking the degree by 66 per cent research are required to
complete a thesis of 25,000 to 35,000 words and complete two 12-point subjects
from the school's fifth-year subjects.
The subject ALM5150 (Research design in applied linguistics), which will
continue to be offered both on campus at Clayton and by distance education, may
be a very appropriate way for students to satisfy part of this requirement. In
addition, local students may take any other fifth-year linguistics subject.
These are increasingly offered only by distance education; refer to ALM subject
listings for details.
International students seeking to undertake the Master of Arts in Linguistics
by coursework and research will normally take the following on-campus
subjects:
The MA by coursework and
research takes one-and-a-half-years full-time study or three-years part-time
study.
The minimum pass grade for subjects in the Master of Arts is 60 C, ie a grade
of credit or above is required in the thesis and in any coursework subject taken.
Mixed-mode
program
Course code: 0017 * Course fees: Local students - HECS; international students
(distance education only) - $A13,000 (full-time) or $A6500 (part-time) *
Coordinator: Mark Newbrook
This degree deals with applications of linguistics to professional and social
contexts in which language plays a crucial role. Present offerings are
particularly suited to teachers of English as a mother tongue, English as a
second or foreign language and languages other than English, generalist primary
school teachers, and those concerned with multicultural and language policies.
Other applications of linguistics (for example in the media, business and
industry) are also dealt with. The course is normally undertaken in one year of
full-time or two years of part-time study.
Applicants should hold an appropriate honours degree (normally in linguistics) with a grade of H2B or above, or the equivalent. Applicants who have completed the equivalent of the masters qualifying program or postgraduate diploma program with a credit average may also be admitted directly to the MA.
Students
are required to take four 12-point fifth-year-level subjects from the list
below totalling 48 points. It should be noted that students may not take a
subject which they have already taken at fourth-year level. The mode in which
each subject is offered is indicated with the detailed entry for each subject.
Students who elect to take a research project or special topic should note that
the topic is subject to departmental approval.
ALM5410 and ALM5460 are taken on campus at Clayton; ALM5150 can be taken either
on campus at Clayton or by distance education; other subjects will increasingly
be offered only by distance education (for many this is already the case).
Refer to ALM subject listings for details.
In exceptional
circumstances, students may be permitted to take no more than two subjects
relating closely to linguistics offered by another department or faculty.
The minimum pass grade for subjects in the Master of Arts is 60 C, ie a grade
of credit or above is required in every subject (including any research project
or special topic).
Mixed-mode
program
Program code: 1988 * Program fees: Local students - HECS * Coordinator: Mark
Newbrook
This program is intended for students who are able to undertake a research
project as part of their fourth-year studies. This option can act as a
preparation for entry to a research degree.
Applicants should hold at least a pass bachelors degree with a major sequence in linguistics or a major sequence in English or another language, with results at least at credit standard in the third part of the major sequence.
The
program is normally undertaken in one year of full-time or two years of
part-time study. Students will take three fourth-year-level subjects and a
research project (the latter normally in the second semester or for part-time
students in the second year). The research project is taken on campus at
Clayton; ALM4150 can be taken either on campus at Clayton or by distance
education; the other subjects are now offered only by distance education. The
research project topic is subject to approval.
This masters qualifying program in applied linguistics consists of the 12-point
ALM4190 (Research project) and three of the following fourth-year-level
subjects (48 points in total).
Students may
substitute an approved subject from another department or faculty for one of
the above subjects.
Students require a qualifying grade of H2A and a grade of distinction or above
for the research component to progress to the MA in Linguistics by research
(with or without coursework), or directly to PhD.
Mixed-mode
program
Program code: 1987 * Program fees: Local students - HECS; international
students (distance education only) - $A13,000 (full time) or $A6500 (part time)
* Coordinator: Mark Newbrook
This program covers the basics of linguistics, by way of preparation for the
study of the applications of linguistics to professional and social contexts
which is covered in the MA program. The program is normally undertaken in one
year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.
Students require a credit average in this masters qualifying program to
progress to the MA in applied linguistics by coursework program. ALM4150 can be
taken either on campus at Clayton or by distance education; the other subjects
are now offered only by distance education. Refer to ALM subject listings for
details.
Applicants should hold at least a pass bachelors degree with a major sequence in linguistics or a major sequence in English or another language, with results at least at credit standard in the third part of the major sequence.
Students are required to complete four fourth-year-level subjects (48 points in total) from the following list:
Students may substitute an approved subject from another department or faculty for one of the above subjects.
Mixed-mode
program
Course code: 0010 * Course fees: Local students - HECS; international students
(distance education) - $14,900 (full-time) or $A6500 (part-time) *
Coordinator: Mark Newbrook
This course deals with the basics of linguistics, and may be taken for its own
sake or by way of preparation for the study of the applications of linguistics
to professional and social contexts which is covered in the MA program. The
program is normally taken over one year if full-time or two years if part-time.
Applicants should hold at least a pass bachelors degree with a major sequence in linguistics or a major sequence in English or another language.
Students are required to complete four fourth-year-level subjects in applied linguistics (totalling 48 credit points) from the following list:
ALM4140 will
normally be taken on campus at Clayton; ALM4150 can be taken either on campus
at Clayton or by distance education; the other subjects are now offered only by
distance education. Students who elect to take ALM4140 should note that the
topic is subject to approval.
Students may substitute an approved subject from another department or faculty
for one of the above subjects.
Students require a credit average in the postgraduate diploma program to
progress to the MA in Applied Linguistics by coursework program.
Mixed-mode
program
Program code: 2059 * Program fees: Local students - $3300; international
students (distance education only) - $A6500 (full time) or $A3300 part time) *
Coordinator: Mark Newbrook
This program offers students without a degree but with extensive professional
experience in relevant areas an exposure to the key ideas of linguistics so as
to prepare them for continuing studies. The program aims to meet, in part, the
needs of people wishing to apply linguistics in various professional fields; it
focuses upon the central aspects of the discipline and aims to develop
students' basic knowledge and skills in these areas. The program is normally
taken one semester full-time or one year part-time.
Students will take two fourth-year subjects. ALM4150 can be taken either on
campus at Clayton or by distance education; the other subjects are now offered
only by distance education. Refer to ALM subject listings for details.
Applicants should have either a pass bachelors degree or, more usually, five years experience in teaching (of a related subject), translating/interpreting, journalism, etc. at a senior level, or should have completed with credit two of the department's fourth-year (postgraduate) open learning subjects (in which case the certificate may be awarded without further requirements).
The program requires the completion of two 12-point fourth-year subjects (24 points in total). Students will normally take:
or one of these two subjects, and one other fourth-year postgraduate subject offered in the Linguistics department:
or
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