The course is conducted jointly by SEAMEO RELC and the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the degree is conferred by NUS.

The general aim of the Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) Course is to provide a qualification relevant to graduate teachers assuming leadership roles in the language teaching, research and development programmes of educational institutions.

By the end of the course, candidates will have:

      (a)  a knowledge of the principles of analysis of language, of linguistic theories on the structural, psychological and  
             social aspects of language and an awareness of how this knowledge can contribute to language teaching;

       (b) an overview of the main current theoretical approaches to explaining second language acquisition and development;

       (c) an understanding of the major approaches and methods in second language teaching;

       (d) an understanding of the principles and methods used in applied linguistics research.

Candidates must satisfactorily complete ten modules as follows:

• Four modules from Language Studies;

• Three core modules from Pedagogical Studies;

• Two elective modules from Pedagogical Studies;

• One module from either section, or from other programmes in NUS.

Course details are subject to change.

(These are existing modules offered by the Department of English Language and Literature and are taught in the evenings at NUS) ^TOP

• EL5200 - Linguistic Argumentation
• EL5201 - Advanced Grammatical Analysis
• EL5202 - The Grammar of Modern English
• EL5206 - Advanced Psycholinguistics
• EL5211 - Contact Languages
• EL5212 - History of English
• EL5216 - Computers, Corpora and the World Wide Web
• EL5221 - The Linguistic Analysis of Literature
• EL5250 - Sociolinguistic Argumentation
• EL5251 - Approaches to Discourse
• EL5253 - Textual Construction of Knowledge
• EL5270 - Explorations in Applied Linguistics
• EL5660 - Independent Study
• EL5881 - Linguistic Theories and Frameworks

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Pedagogical Studies

(These modules are taught during the day or during the intensive weeks at RELC.) ^TOP^TOP

Core Modules

• ELR5404 - Language Acquisition: Social and Psychological Dimensions

• ELR5406 - Language Curriculum Design and Implementation

• ELR5408 - Language Teaching Methodology

Elective Modules

• ELR3401 - Materials Design and Development

• ELR4401 - Media Resources in ELT

• ELR5401 - Discourse Analysis

• ELR5402 - English for Specific Purposes

• ELR5403 - Grammar in Discourse

• ELR5405 - Language and Culture

• ELR5407 - Language Testing

• ELR5409 - Research in Applied Linguistics

• ELR5410 - Teaching Listening and Speaking

• ELR5411 - Teaching Reading and Writing

• ELR5412 - Varieties of English

Course Descriptions ^TOP

Language Studies

EL5200           Linguistic Argumentation

(Modular credits: 4)

This module is designed for graduate students who wish to pursue an advanced degree in English Language Studies.   It introduces important analytic concepts and methods in the study of linguistic structure, with special attention to the English language.  Topics include all structural components of language, especially phonology, morphology, and syntax.  By examining the formal aspect of language, students will acquire a deeper appreciation of language, and learn the necessary techniques of linguistic analysis.

EL5201           Advanced Grammatical Analysis

(Modular credits: 4)

This module advances students' understanding of the structure of modern standard English, building on what they have done in the undergraduate programme.  We examine a range of grammatical constructions of English, which includes coordination, subordination, tense, aspect, and word formation.  We also touch on aspects of regional and social variability, especially in multilingual contexts in which English is being used today.  At the end of the module, students should be able to read advanced grammar books, and descriptions of linguistic phenomena in English with critical understanding of the arguments for or against theoretical positions based on these phenomena.

EL5202           The Grammar of Modern English

(Modular credits: 4)

 EL5206           Advanced Psycholinguistics

(Modular credits: 4)

This is an advanced course in Psycholinguistics designed to explore pertinent issues in greater detail.  It will cover some of the major areas of study in Psycholinguistics (including some basic Neurolinguistics), with special emphasis on child language acquisition.  Students will also be exposed to research methods in Psycholinguistics, and to the mental processes we think may underlie language use.  In the attempt to understand these processes in healthy individuals it is crucial that we also consider what happens when language becomes impaired.  For this reason, this course will also examine evidence from both atypically developing children and language-impaired adults.

EL5211           Contact Languages ^TOP

(Modular credits: 4)

This module focuses on languages evolving in multilingual settings out of radical contact situations.  Commonly referred to as ‘Pidgins’, ‘Creoles’ and ‘mixed languages’, these languages are spoken mainly in the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific regions.  We concentrate on English-lexified contact varieties and investigate the interaction of typological features and sociolinguistic factors determining language change in contact situations.  We also discuss the most salient issues within the field of Language Contact such as: (i) Creoles as a synchronically viable structural class; (ii) restructuring patterns, creolization and universal patterns of language change; (iii) pidginization; (iv) ideology and classification.

EL5212           History of English

(Modular credits: 4)

This module is aimed at postgraduate students who wish to explore the development of the English language over the past 1,500 years or so, and to see that some features of present-day English can be explained in the light of its history.  Students should ideally have some background in grammatical description.  Issues that will receive attention include the transformation of a synthetic Old English to a more analytic Modern English; language contact as a force for language change; the standardisation of English; and the spread of English and the New Englishes.

EL5216           Computers, Corpora and the World Wide Web

(Modular credits: 4)

This module takes an empirical approach to linguistic investigation: it bases claims on adequate electronic language datasets known as corpora.  Such corpora may either be stand-alone or drawn from the World Wide Web, the dynamic mega-corpus. With special reference to English, relevant topics will be introduced to suit particular needs and may include the relation between corpora and lexicography, culture studies, translation, language teaching and computer-mediated communication. Students will also receive hands-on training with standalone linguistic programs and those found on the World Wide Web. This module does not assume any expert computing knowledge.

EL5221           The Linguistic Analysis of Literature ^TOP

(Modular credits: 4)

This interface module deals with some of the ways that linguistics and discourse analysis can be used for the analysis of literature. Among the topics covered are the grammatical features in literary texts, the sounds of poetry, and discourse situations in fictional narrative. This module will be useful for higher-degree students who want to use literature in their study, including those who have to use the language of literature for a more comprehensive examination of a particular area of linguistic research. Higher-degree literature students with a good linguistics background may also consider doing this module.

EL5250           Sociolinguistic Argumentation

(Modular credits: 4)

The module provides hands-on experience with a range of approaches to the study of language in social life, such as the ethnography of communication, interactional sociolinguistics, the sociology of language, and quantitative sociolinguistics. Critical attention is given to relevant social theory and to theoretical and applied issues arising from multilingualism in SE Asia, such as the institutional management of linguistic diversity, the social and educational implications of multilingualism for individual and society, language and culture, the effects of social factors on variation, and language contact and change in relation to language shift and maintenance.

EL5251           Approaches to Discourse

(Modular credits: 4)

Students taking this module will gain a deeper understanding of some of the following key approaches to discourse: Speech Act Theory, Gricean Pragmatics, Conversation Analysis, Variation Analysis, Ethnography of Communication, and Interactional Sociolinguistics.  Students will also learn to read a range of journal papers critically, analyze different sets of extended texts to test the explanatory power of the above approaches, and conduct an empirical study of their own using one or more of the approaches.
 

EL5253           Textual Construction of Knowledge ^TOP

(Modular credits: 4)

This module aims to cultivate an understanding both of the relationship between discourse and ideology and of the textual construction of knowledge. Students will be exposed to a critical deconstruction of different kinds of socio-political discourses (including discourses about gender and race, etc.) with specific attention to ideological positionings, and the role ideology plays in the knowledge construction process. Through this module, students will acquire critical skills in reading texts and come to appreciate the different kinds of textual and ideological strategies used in the formation of knowledge.

EL5270           Explorations in Applied Linguistics

(Modular credits: 4)

This module introduces students to a range of issues, approaches and working procedures in applied linguistics, partly to familiarize students with relevant research, and more especially to engage students actively in typical processes of enquiry. Applied linguistics has evolved into a dynamically diversified, multi-disciplinary field of academic and professional activity. It is characterized by theoretically and empirically informed initiatives to identify and represent clearly, investigate appropriately, and address pragmatically and critically those issues and problems in human communicative affairs that prominently involve language, language learning or language use.

EL5660           Independent Study ^TOP

(Modular credits: 4)

Independent research plays an important role in graduate education.  The Independent Study module is designed to enable the student to explore an approved topic in English Language studies in depth.  The student should approach a lecturer to work out an agreed topic, readings, and assignments for the module.  A formal, written agreement is to be drawn up, giving a clear account of the topic, programme of study, assignments, evaluation, and other pertinent details.  Head’s and/or Graduate Coordinator’s approval of the written assignment is required.  Regular meetings and reports are expected.  Evaluation is based on 100% Continuous Assessment and must be worked out between the student and the lecturer prior to seeking departmental approval.

Remark: (1) Word limit: 5,000 – 6,000 words. (2) Workload: Minimum 10 hours per week. The precise breakdown of contact hours, assignment and preparation is to be worked out between the lecturer and the student, subject to Department approval

EL5881           Linguistic Theories and Frameworks

(Modular credits: 4)

This module gives students an in-depth understanding of a specific grammatical theory or framework.  The particular theory or framework taught may change depending on the expertise and interests of the instructor.  At the end of the module, students will be in a position to critically evaluate the theory/ framework, and also use it for the analysis of linguistic data.

Pedagogical Studies

ELR5404        Language Acquisition: Social and Psychological Dimensions

(Modular credits: 4)

This is an interdisciplinary module that explores how people acquire bilingual or multi-lingual ability, and what happens in the process of their doing so. The exploration draws on theory and research from linguistics, psychology and sociology, as well as the sub-disciplines and research areas that interrelate them (e.g. psycholinguistics, developmental psychology, sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology, and bi-lingual studies).

The overall goal is to help students understand the complexity of language acquisition and development, as well as acquire a framework for observing, explaining and evaluating the beliefs and assumptions underpinning learning and teaching practices, research reports and other writings about language learning.

ELR5406        Language Curriculum Design and Implementation ^TOP

(Modular credits: 4)

Through lectures, group work, readings, and class presentation / discussion, students will develop an understanding of the processes involved in developing language curriculum and instructional materials and the criteria that can be used in evaluating and comparing language syllabi and instructional materials.

ELR5408        Language Teaching Methodology

(Modular credits: 4)

This module seeks to provide an overview of current approaches to the teaching of English as a second or foreign language, with particular reference to SEAMEO member countries. During the module, students will be encouraged to relate the topics and assigned readings to their own teaching situations. Teaching methods will include lectures, group discussion, video viewing, discussions of readings, and individual presentations.

ELR3401        Materials Design and Development

(Modular credits: 4)

This module will deal primarily with principles and techniques in materials design and development in relation to recent innovations in language teaching. Students will be expected to develop instructional materials for the teaching of various skills and types of language content and will make oral presentations of the objectives and content of these materials.

ELR4401        Media Resources in ELT ^TOP

(Modular credits: 4)

Through lectures, discussions, group work and “hands-on” experiences, students will be examining both principles and techniques for applying the use of audio, video and computer technology to the English Language classroom. The module will depend on the students sharing their knowledge about the current availability and use of these resources in the region. At the same time, this module will be forward-looking and should help to break the techno-phobia from which many teachers suffer.

ELR5401        Discourse Analysis

(Modular credits: 4)

Discourse Analysis is concerned with examining language use in context, the language choices made and their effects. It involves analysing stretches of spoken interaction or written texts and may be used to serve varied purposes.

This module is practice-oriented. Students will engage extensively in actual analysis, both collaboratively and independently, with a view to enabling them to use such analysis as a method of qualitative research or a basis for pedagogy. There are varying approaches to the analysis of discourse originating from different theoretical perspectives and serving different ends, and these will be briefly introduced. However, the module emphasizes an approach built on Systemic Functional Grammar in conjunction with theoretical concepts relevant at the level of text.

ELR5402        English for Specific Purposes

(Modular credits: 4)

Through lectures, group work and class presentation / discussion, students will develop an understanding of:

• What ESP is, its history and development;

• Approaches to course design, needs analysis and language audits;

• Programme evaluation and accountability.

ELR5403        Grammar in Discourse ^TOP

(Modular credits: 4)

This module focuses on a socio-cultural perspective of the study of language that provides systematic links with contexts of use. In opposition to more traditional notions of grammar as a set of prescriptive or descriptive rules, it presents grammar as a system of resources for making meaning in context.

The concepts and categories of a particular linguistic theory, Systemic Functional Grammar, will be introduced to explore how users of a language explore and represent the world around them, interact with each other through the language, and organize what they say or write. Through learning to analyze the grammatical patterns of various texts and how they are organized, students will be enabled to make explicit statements about the language in use. This in turn forms the basis for discussing what and how to teach in a language class, and how to empower learners with the linguistic tools for using the language more meaningfully, learning to learn, and thinking more critically

ELR5405        Language and Culture

(Modular credits: 4)

This module will examine the relationship between language, culture and society in general and language education in particular. This will involve analysing the concept of ‘power’ in language (advertising, newspaper articles, etc), multi-literacies (TV, cinema) and home and school differences in language practices.

In a context where the local languages come face to face with a language such as English that may be significantly different, there may be problems for both learners and teachers. In discussing these issues, input from students will be important so that the broader implications and possible solutions can be discussed.

ELR5407        Language Testing

(Modular credits: 4)

Through lectures, group work and class presentation / discussion, students will develop an understanding of the background theories and principles of language testing and the principles and procedures in test construction and development.

ELR5409        Research in Applied Linguistics ^TOP

(Modular credits: 4)

A mixture of lecture-type input and practical tasks will acquaint students with general problems and issues in research in Applied Linguistics, provide hands-on experience in data collection and analysis and opportunities to apply these ideas to the students’ own teaching situations.

ELR5410        Teaching Listening and Speaking

(Modular credits: 4)

This module will consist of lectures, group tasks and individual practical work. Students will draw on their own experience, known texts and a range of methods. Theoretical background provided through lectures and reading will be applied to workshop sessions.

ELR5411        Teaching Reading and Writing

(Modular credits: 4)

This module will equip students with knowledge and understanding of the principles, design and procedure in the teaching of reading and writing in ESL/EFL situations. Emphasis is placed on the integration of theory and practice as reflected in the students’ journal writing output, sample lesson plans and in micro-teaching demo-lessons. These individual and/or group outputs will provide students with opportunities to give in-depth consideration to issues relevant to their own teaching situations.

ELR5412        Varieties of English ^TOP

(Modular credits: 4)

This module will consist of lectures, student presentations, listening and viewing sessions, group discussion and practical tasks. Together these activities are meant to provide theoretical input, guidance for self-study, and opportunities for exploring issues in the use of different varieties of the English language under varying circumstances of teaching, learning and use.

Please note that not all modules are available every year.  Modules must have a minimum of four registered students in order to run.

Length of Course T^TOP

The period of candidature is 12 months (minimum) and 36 months (maximum).  The maximum period includes the time allowed for approved study leave but may exclude periods of leave of absence subject to the approval of RELC and NUS.

Candidates must offer at least three modules but no more than five modules in a semester.

On-Line Learning Support ^TOP OP

Lecturers will be available for consultation by email as well as in person. 

Other Resources

Students are encouraged to use the library facilities available at RELC and NUS.

Seminars

As a form of course enrichment, distinguished visitors to RELC and staff from other institutions in Singapore will be invited, from time to time, to present seminars on research projects recently undertaken by them.

After these presentations, students will be invited to ask questions or otherwise discuss what has been presented.

Course Completion Requirements ^TOPP

To complete the course, a student must:

(a)  obtain a pass with a minimum Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of 3.00 in all modules;

(b)  satisfy class attendance.

The candidature of a student will be terminated if he/she:

(a)  obtains a CAP of less than 2.50 for two consecutive semesters, or

(b)  obtains a CAP of less than 3.00 for three consecutive semesters, or

(c)  fails more than two modules

Award of Degree ^TOPOP

Candidates will be awarded the Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) if they have:

(a)  fulfilled all course requirements;

(b)  been recommended for the award by the Board of Examiners; and

(c)  paid all fees prescribed.

Admission Requirements ^TOP

A candidate for the Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) course must have:

• a good NUS honours degree (second class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelors degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in the subject or related field; or;
• a good Bachelors degree (at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in the subject or related field and have successfully completed a placement test; or exceptionally,
• other qualifications and experience subject to approval by the NUS Board of Graduate Studies;
• a recognised teaching qualification with not less than twenty-four months full-time teaching experience in a recognised institution; and

• a sufficient command of English to follow advanced study conducted in the English Language. Those from non-English medium education systems must have a recent TOEFL score of at least 580 for the paper-based test, 237 for the computer-based test or 85 for the internet-based test (with a minimum score of 22 for the writing section). Alternatively, an IELTS result of 7.0 is required.

 (If you are registering for the TOEFL test, please quote our code number 2042.  Your official score report will be sent to us directly from Educational Testing Service.)

Admission to the Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) is on a competitive basis.  Applicants may be asked to supply additional information, or to provide further evidence of training and ability.  Final decisions on admission are at the discretion of RELC and NUS.

Fees  ^TOP

The fees payable (in Singapore dollars) are as follows:

NOTE: The Tuition Fee is for one year. A fee equivalent to 50% of the annual Tuition Fee will be charged for each extension of one semester.

• All fees indicated above are inclusive of prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Fees indicated are subject to change at any time.
• The fees exclude the cost of required textbooks.
• Accommodation at the RELC International Hotel is available @ S$135 nett per night with breakfast (twin room)
• Students from outside Singapore are required to subscribe to the Group Health Insurance Scheme at S$53.50 per month (inclusive of GST), as medical costs in the event of illness could be very high.
• The provision of S$900 per month for subsistence should cover the participant’s basic living expenses while in Singapore.
• RELC does not accept any responsibility for accidents on journeys to and from Singapore, or in Singapore, or for the loss of baggage and other personal belongings in transit or in Singapore.
• RELC will also not be responsible for taking out air-travel and personal accident insurance for course members.

Application   ^TOP

The following forms must be duly completed and submitted:

(a)  Application Form RELC A238 (in duplicate).

(b)  Certified copies of degrees/diplomas/certificates/transcripts and TOEFL/IELTS results should accompany
      the application.  Where a transcript is in a language other than English, it should be accompanied by
      a certified translation into English.

At the time of application, the applicant should state in the covering letter whether the application is made for a private fee-paying or scholarship/bursary-holding course membership.  The scholarship/bursary awarding agency, if applicable, should be stated.

Payment of Fees ^TOP

Fees are payable one month before the commencement of the course.

Cheques should be crossed and made payable to the SEAMEO Regional Language Centre.

Refund of Fees ^TOP

Cancellation of enrolment must be made in writing. Cancellation received before the commencement of the course will receive a refund less the registration fee.  Withdrawals after the course has commenced will not be eligible for refund.

Closing Date ^TOP

The closing date for application is 29 January 2010.

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