Postgraduate - CourseMaster of Applied Linguistics

Professionals who know how language works and how it can be utilised in a multitude of situations are highly-valued in the workplace. In this course 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.

Students receive training in research in the field and are equipped with skills to make a significant professional contribution to the field of applied linguistics.

The course has two streams to choose from; applied linguistics or teaching world Englishes for international communication. The applied linguistics stream is designed to give students a strong understanding of language structures and use across a variety of languages. In the core units, students explore the sounds and grammar of Australian English and how these differ from other English varieties and other languages around the world. Students also explore how we use language differently according to context and how language varies between different social groups. In elective units students have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as literacy, second language acquisition or language and identity. This stream is ideal for a range of professionals, including interpreters, editors, policy makers and health care professionals: in short anyone working with language issues in a multilingual and multicultural context. It is also recommended for teachers of VCE English language, language teachers (including English as a second language) and generalist teachers looking to improve their knowledge of grammar/language structures.

The teaching world Englishes for international communication stream is designed to give students in-depth knowledge of issues surrounding the teaching and use of English as an international language. It explores issues that relate to the socio-cultural, conceptual, and ideological considerations that relate to the spread of English around the world. It addresses issues such as the speaker's identity, teaching of English as an international language, and the use of English as a lingua franca in international professional contexts. This stream is ideal for ESL teachers, policy makers or anyone considering taking up a position teaching/working in a country where English is not the native language of the majority of the population.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate critical knowledge of diverse aspects of second/foreign language acquisition, language teaching, language contact and intercultural communication in a range of contexts
• articulate and apply an understanding of world view best practice in the field of applied linguistics and associated challenges and debates
• apply a critical familiarity with many of the key texts, secondary literature and cultural products pertaining to applied linguistics
• apply advanced reading, analytical and communication skills, both written and verbal to the field of study
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project.

Students may be eligible for credit to a maximum of 50 per cent of the course requirements for previous graduate-level studies.

Credit or exemptions up to a maximum of 24 points is available for a bachelor degree level qualification in a related discipline, and a further 24 points is available for honours degree level qualification in a related discipline.

Therefore, students who have completed an:

• undergraduate degree and a graduate certificate (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline* must complete 72 points as outlined in Structure 2 under 'Requirements'.
• honours degree with a major in a relevant discipline* must complete 48 points as outlined in Structure 3 under 'Requirements'.

* Relevant disciplines include linguistics, applied linguistics, language study or teaching, translation and interpreting, TESOL and speech pathology.

48 credit points

This course consists of core and elective units, including capstone units which allow the student to demonstrate their understanding of the course and the skills they have acquired.

Students complete one of the following structures as determined by any credit granted for prior studies:

• Structure 1: 96 points over two years full-time, or part-time equivalent
• Structure 2: 72 points over one and a half years full-time, or part-time equivalent
• Structure 3: 48 points over one year full-time, or part-time equivalent.

Note: Students eligible for credit for prior studies may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options if they choose.

All students must complete a minimum of 48 credit points at level 5, and so should take care when choosing between units offered at level 4 and 5 (where this option is offered).

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Structure 1 - 96 credit points

Students must complete:

(a.) in their first year of study, one of the following 12-point preparatory units (12 points):

• APG5349 World Englishes
• APG5704 Discourse analysis
• APG5705 Language and identity

(b.) the following core units depending on study stream chosen (36 points):

Applied linguistics

• APG5043 Language in society
• APG5046 General linguistics
• APG5347 Research methods in applied linguistics

Teaching world Englishes for international communication

• APG5042 Practices of teaching Englishes for international intercultural communication
• APG5047 Issues in teaching English as an international language
• APG5347 Research methods in applied linguistics

(c.) one of the following capstone/research options (24 points):

(i.) one capstone unit chosen from the following:

• APG5044 Professional internship
• APG5348 Second language acquisition
• APG5702 Bilingualism
• APG5856 Research project

plus:

• 12 points of electives from the list below

(ii.) the following research unit/s:

• APG5848 Research thesis (24 points) or APG5849 Research thesis A (12 points) and APG5850 Research thesis B (12 points)

(d.) Electives (24 points)

Students in the teaching world Englishes for international communication should include at least one of APG5652 and APG5349 in their choice of electives.

Electives

• APG5059 Internship (postgraduate)
• APG5349 World Englishes
• APG5652 Language and intercultural communication
• APG5703 Literacy
• APG5704 Discourse analysis
• APG5705 Language identity
• APG5875 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies
• any capstone unit/s not completed at (c.) above
• core units from the alternative stream

Structure 2 - 72 points

Students must complete from the requirements listed in structure 1 above:

• units in (b.) from the chosen stream, (c)(i.) or (ii.), and one elective unit

Structure 3 - 48 points

Students must complete from the requirements listed in structure 1 above:

• units in (b.) from the chosen stream and one capstone unit

Students may apply to exit after successful completion of:

• 24 points with Graduate Certificate in Arts
• 48 points with Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics

Master of Applied Linguistics