TESL 630/LING-630 Applied Linguistics I

An overview of major fields of linguistics and their application to TESL.

A foundational understanding of linguistics is essential for a well-rounded post-graduate TESL program as it heightens awareness of basic and complex language constituents and the many sub-fields like morphology, syntax, lexicon, phonology, social, psych, discourse, and semantics. Knowledge of these sub-fields also enables students to consider how other linguistic fields impact future language teaching and research.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be at least 400-500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge and graduate-level writing with regard to content and style. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150-200 words. Current APA format must be used for bibliographical entries and in-text citations. Topics include:

• The Origin of Language    
• Morphology/Lexicon in Lang Education   
• Syntax, Phrase Structure Rules   
• Phonetics & Phonology  
• Language, Society, and Evolution 
• Technology, and Mental Processes 

Language Analysis Assignments (4)

The student will analyze various activities that focus on a specific aspect of language, such as phonology, psycholinguistics, syntax, and sociolinguistics, etc. The student will complete the listed exercises and then write a 300-500 word essay in APA format with at least 2 references. The following topics will be addressed through the Language Analysis assignments:

• Morphology
• Syntax 
• Phonology 
• Dialects   

Term Paper Assignments (2)

The student will develop a paper that investigates one of the sub-fields of linguistics covered in the course and investigate how that sub-field can impact teaching English to speakers of other languages (e.g. how can sociolinguistics information– or some idea in sociolinguistics – be used to teach English to second language learners or enable them to learn language more successfully).

• Initial Draft: The student will construct an initial draft of his/her final paper. The draft must be in current APA format and include all components of the final draft.
• Final Draft: The student will revise and submit a final draft. The 12-15-page paper should focus on some field in linguistics that interests the student and that will be valuable to their future endeavors. The paper must contain at least 6 citations from 4-8 sources.

Quizzes (5)

The quizzes will cover the reading and study material for the assigned Modules: Weeks. The quizzes will be open-book/open-notes, allow 1 attempt, contain 3–10 questions, and have a 30-minute time limit.

Quiz: Midterm Comprehensive Exam

The Midterm Comprehensive Exam will cover the reading and study material for the assigned Modules: Weeks. The midterm will be open-book/open-notes, contain 27 fill-in-the-blank, matching, multiple-answer, multiple-choice, true/false and essay questions, allow 1 attempt, and have a 1-hour and 30-minute time limit.

Quiz: Final Comprehensive Exam

The Final Comprehensive Exam is cumulative and will cover the reading and study material for the assigned Modules: Weeks. The final will be open-book/open-notes, contain 27 multiple-answer, fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, and essay questions, allow 1 attempt, and have a 1-hour and 30-minute time limit.