Master of Applied Linguistics

Course code: 3769 ~ Course abbreviation: MAppLing ~ Total credit points required: 72 ~ 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Arts

Study mode and course location

Off-campus (Clayton, on-campus for some units)

Course description

Students will gain a critical understanding of theoretical and practical issues relating to applied linguistics, including second/foreign language acquisition, language teaching, language contact and intercultural communication.

Course objectives

Students successfully completing this course will have: 1. a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline; 2. an understanding of the world view of the field of study; 3. a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study; 4. a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study; 5. advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal; 6. advanced analytical skills; 7. a grasp of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program.

Minimum pass grade

To graduate with the Masters, students must gain a credit (60 C) or above in core units and a minimum credit average overall.

Course structure

The course consists of six 12-point units, with three core units, and three electives selected from the list below. Students undertake units to the value of 24 points at level 4, followed by another 24 points at either level 4 or 5 followed by 24 points at level 5. Students can enter the program in the first or second semester.

Course requirements

Core units

• ALM4110 General linguistics
• ALM4130 Language in society
• ALM4150 Research design in applied linguistics

Electives

• ALM4250/ALM5250 Second language acquisition
• ALM5210 Language and learning
• ALM5230 Bilingualism
• ALM5270 Literacy
• ALM5290 Child language acquisition
• ALM5350 English in Southeast Asia and the Pacific
• ALM5370 Discourse analysis
• ALM5390 Language and identity
• ALM5410 Research project (normally only available for on-campus students)
• ALM5460 Special topic in applied linguistics

Alternative electives may be approved on an individual basis.

Exit points

After successful completion of 24 points, students may apply to exit the program with a Graduate Certificate in Linguistics, or after successful completion of 48 points with a Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics.

Course coordinator

Dr Julie Bradshaw