MA in Applied English Linguistics
The AEL program description is also available in .pdf form.
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The MA in English (specialization in Applied English Linguistics) is designed to train students to think critically and knowledgeably about the English language; about issues of individual development and social behavior that require an understanding of the structure of the language and its modes of variation; and about philosophical, psychological, and pedagogical principles in the teaching and learning of the language. Through required and elective course work in the Department of English, students have the opportunity to learn about such topics as:
- Articulatory characteristics of human speech
- Different models of grammatical description (but with primary emphasis on the generative approach)
- The phonetics and phonology of modern English
- Syntactic structures and processes of modern English
- The main regional and social dialects of modern English
- Linguistic and political aspects of the global spread of English
- Pragmatic factors in the use of modern English
- The social and public uses of English
- The historical antecedents of modern English
- Principles of language acquisition and language learning
- Methodological principles in the teaching of English as a second or foreign language
- Research into the learning of English as a second language
- Linguistic factors in the description of literary style
- Theoretical and practical concerns in the analysis and teaching of written composition
The program of course work required for the MA (AEL) degree consists of three components: (1) prerequisite courses; (2) core courses; and (3) elective courses. The choice of elective courses signals the student’s primary professional interests in the MA program. For most students, the MA (AEL) is taken with a focus on the teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). However, other areas of applied English linguistics that might interest students include the relation of Standard English to nonstandard dialects of English, applications of linguistics to research in the development of reading skills or in composition theory, research in first or second language acquisition, the use of language in society, exploration of the nature of oral discourse, advanced theoretical perspectives on syntax or phonology, and the linguistic analysis of written texts.
While the MA (AEL) is not itself a research degree, it provides a substantial foundation for both teaching and applied research activities of various kinds in fields in which knowledge of the structure of the English language, or of issues about the language, is of central concern, e.g. education, child language development, sociopolitical changes, communication, among others.
In order to qualify for the MA (AEL) degree, students must satisfy the Graduate School’s residence requirement: a minimum of one year (or four summers) of residence and at least 18 credits of course work beyond the B.A. degree. (The MA (AEL) program requires 27 credits.) At least one semester (or two summer sessions) must be spent in residence at Madison (9 credits per semester and 6 credits per summer session are required).
Graduate work done elsewhere may be considered immediately for transfer for degree purposes, but for residence purposes only after half the residence requirement has been satisfied on the Madison campus. (All questions regarding residence must be referred to the Graduate School, which is the only authority on the subject.) Students who wish to transfer credits for residence or degree purposes must be sure that the Department has a full and final transcript of graduate work completed elsewhere. In addition, course syllabi, exams, papers, etc. may be required to determine whether credit for a particular course will be accepted for transfer.
The normal program of full-time study for the MA degree is 9-12 credits each semester during the academic year and 6 credits in the summer session. Students must obtain departmental approval of their programs at the beginning of each semester or summer session. This is done in conference with the MA (AEL) advisor at the time of registration.
(rev. 10/2005)
