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Program Details
Language is an essential part of what it is to be human and this program gives you the opportunity to examine how language works in real life. The field of Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies develops and applies theories to solve everyday problems involving language. Course materials address such questions as how languages are taught and learned, how language competencies are evaluated, how writing is used to perform a variety of functions, how language is used in specific social contexts, how language can influence society and vice versa, how government policies influence language practices and what makes a bilingual education program effective.
Carleton is recognized nationally as one of the leading Canadian universities in the fields of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, and teaching English as a second language.
Tailor Your Degree
Minor programs in American Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Linguistics are also available. A certificate program is also available in Teaching English as a Second Language (CTESL).
Exceptional Faculty
You will learn from faculty members researching topics including language acquisition, language teaching, curriculum development, language policy, and language testing, among others.
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Career Outcomes
Explore your passions, refine new skills and discover the career that’s right for you.
Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies opens doors to a variety of careers in the public or private sector, in NGOs or in educational institutions related to language teaching, language assessment and policy.
Sample Courses
LING 1001 - Introduction to Linguistics I
Nature of language and linguistic knowledge. Formal description and analysis of language: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.
ALDS 1001 - Language Matters: Introduction to ALDS
Core topics in applied linguistics and discourse studies. First and second language acquisition; sign language; language teaching and assessment; language in society; language, identity and power; discourse analysis; written language and literacy.
Visit the Undergraduate Calendar to view a comprehensive list of course offerings for this program and discover the exciting things Carleton students are learning in the classroom!