Applied Linguistics

Overview

Courses are offered in basic theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, and interdisciplinary areas of psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics. These courses provide students with a thorough understanding of the linguistic, cultural and ideological considerations that govern language acquisition and use. The program is thus designed to enable students to understand the diversity of issues inherent in the study of language so that they are well prepared to teach and do research in applied linguistics.

Students in the Applied Linguistics program at the University of Massachusetts Boston have the opportunity to conduct research, work with community based organizations or prepare to teach in various contexts, such as public schools, K-12, adult education, and language schools in the United States and abroad. Our campus program offers three types of graduate assistantships: teaching, research, and administrative.

Nearly 25% of our students come from outside the United States, contributing to a learning environment with linguistic and cultural diversity that enriches the department’s intellectual and social life. Our students also represent a variety of American minority groups.

Learning Outcomes

The following six objectives and corresponding learning outcomes are aligned to our mission statement, to the TESOL and ACTFL Standards, and to the ESL Teacher professional standards outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Upon completing the Applied Linguistics course of study, students are expected to:

• Describe language using appropriate linguistic concepts and terminology;

• Understand both psychological and social factors associated with language acquisition and development;

• Comprehend cultural and sociopolitical dimensions of language;

• Master a variety of language teaching methods;

• Demonstrate appropriate language pedagogical knowledge; and

• Articulate reflective and critical knowledge regarding possible links between language pedagogy and policies and greater social justice.