Master of Applied Linguistics - 2018

Applied linguistics is one of the fastest growing fields of study in the humanities and is becoming increasingly recognised for its ability to solve language related problems at a micro and macro level. Professionals who can demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the use of language in varied situations are highly valued in the workplace.

This course offers professionals from a wide variety of disciplines the opportunity to expand their knowledge of how language works in the context of globalisation. You 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. Throughout our course, students are exposed to corpus methods and other 'big data' approaches to language analysis, leaving graduates well placed for a range of cutting edge careers in the language and technology field

The Monash Master of Applied Linguistics is particularly concerned with the implications of multilingualism and intercultural communication for modern society and the professional sphere. It 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 particularly recommended for language teachers (including English as a second or foreign language) teachers of VCE English Language and generalist teachers looking to improve their knowledge of grammar/language structures and the application of this knowledge to communication across cultures. With our focus on international languages (e.g. English, French, Mandarin, Spanish), our course will also be useful to anyone considering taking up a position in local, national or international organisations where one or more of these languages are used as a professional or necessary lingua franca. For some students, Monash's Master of Applied Linguistics also provides pathways to PhD study through research projects.

Monash's Master of Applied Linguistics is designed to give students a strong understanding of language structures and use across a variety of languages. By doing so, we provide in-depth knowledge of issues surrounding the teaching and use of language for international and intercultural communication.

In the core units, you will earn how language variation (e.g. multilingualism, English) comes to bear on communication across cultures. You also explore how we use language differently according to context and how language varies between different social groups. Students also develop their skills in language analysis and conducting small practice-based research projects within their own professional contexts. In elective units you will have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as discourse analysis, intercultural communication and teaching global languages.

You will be able to apply your learning to your own professional context as part of the assessment process and have the opportunity to complete a research project or internship. The research training in applied linguistics that you will receive, will also equip you as a graduate to make a significant professional contribution to the field.

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

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

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

The course is structured in three parts. Part A. Foundations for advanced applied linguistics studies, Part B. Core master's study and Part C. Advanced expertise. All students complete Part B. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A or Part C or a combination of the two.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Foundations for advanced applied linguistics studies (24 points)

These studies will provide an orientation to the field of applied linguistics at graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of applied linguistics practice and research. You 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.

Part C. Advanced expertise (24 points)

The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options:

• a program of coursework study where you select the units to suit your own interests.
• a 24 point research thesis. Students wishing to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this second option.

Students admitted to the course, who have a recognised honours degree in a discipline cognate to applied linguistics, will receive credit for Part C, however, should they wish to complete a 24 point research project as part of the course they should consult with the course coordinator.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced applied linguistics studies (24 points), Part B. Core master's study (48 points) and Part C. Advanced expertise (24 points).

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

• Students admitted at entry level 1 complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C.
• Students admitted at entry level 2 complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C Option 1 (Research pathway) or Option 2 (Discipline electives).
• Students admitted at entry level 3 complete 48 points, comprising Part B.

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

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundations for advanced applied linguistics studies (24 points)

Students complete:

a. one unit (12 points) from the following, taken during the first full-time equivalent year of study:

• APG5046 General linguistics
• APG5047 Issues in teaching languages for international communication

b. one discipline elective unit (12 points) from those listed in Part C (Option 2) or one of the capstone units in Part B (b).

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

Students complete:

a. the following two units (24 points):

• APG5043 Language and multilingual societies
• APG5347 Research methods in applied linguistics

b. One capstone unit from the following (12 points):

• APG5044 Professional internship
• APG5348 Second language acquisition*
• APG5704 Discourse analysis
• APG5856 Research project

c. Plus one discipline elective (12 points) from Part C (Option 2)

Part C. Advanced expertise (24 points)

Students admitted at Entry Level 1 complete Option 1, 2 or 3 below.

Students admitted at Entry Level 2 complete either 1. or 2. below.

Option 1

Research Pathway

The following unit/s:

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

** Students admitted to the course at entry level 3 who wish to complete this 24-point research thesis should consult with the course coordinator.

Option 2

Discipline Electives

Two units (24 points) from the following:

• APG5042 Practices of teaching Englishes for intercultural communication
• APG5046 The linguistics of English
• APG5047 Issues in teaching languages for international communication
• APG5349 World Englishes
• APG5652Not offered in 2018 Language and intercultural communication*
• APG5702 Bilingualism*
• APG5703Not offered in 2018 Literacy
• APG5705Not offered in 2018 Language and identity
• APG5875 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies*
• EDF5640 Language, culture and curriculum
• EDF5642 Bilingualism and content-based programs
• any capstone unit/s not completed in Part B

Option 3

Complementary Electives

Up to 24 points of approved level 4/5 units from following Arts Graduate Coursework Programs. All units are available unless marked with an asterisk (*)

These units must be selected from Part B: Core Master's study and /or Part C: Advanced expertise

• A6002 Master of Bioethics
• A6003 Master of Communications and Media Studies
• A6004 Master of Cultural and Creative Industries
• A6006 Master of International Development Practice
• A6008 Master of Journalism
• A6009 Master of Tourism
• A6010 Master of International Relations
• A6012 Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements indicated for that award during their enrolment in this master's course:

• Graduate Certificate in Arts after successful completion of 24 credit points of study with a minimum of 18 credit points at level 4 or above
• Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics after successful completion of 48 credit points of study with a minimum of 36 credit points at level 4 or above.

Students entering at entry levels 1 and 2 can complete a research thesis (24 points) that will provide a pathway to a higher degree by research. Students entering at entry level 3 will normally already have an honours degree, however, students in this group who wish to complete a research thesis in applied linguistics should discuss the options with the course coordinator.