Undergraduate Program Learning Objectives

The Applied Linguistics major has four essential educational objectives and outcomes as outlined below:

1. Proficiency in a second language. Students who successfully complete the Applied Linguistics major will reach an Intermediate-high level of proficiency in their primary second language (L2) as described in the scale of the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Speakers who complete additional course work through study abroad (an aspect of the major that is very much encouraged) may reach the advanced-low level in their primary L2.

This objective is met through completing one language, levels 1 through 6, and two courses at the third-year level or above taught in the primary L2 (e.g., a literature class taught in the L2).

2. Understanding contexts and processes of (second) language acquisition. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of processes of and issues relating to the acquisition of more than one language, bilingualism and multilingualism, including social, psycholinguistic and metalinguistic aspects of these processes. 

This objective is met through taking a number of core courses and relevant electives from several different disciplines and departments: Introduction to Applied Linguistics, Introduction to Linguistics, and Theories of Second Language Acquisition, for example.

3. Understanding the role and use of language in society. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of social aspects of bilingualism and multilingualism, and issues of language in social contexts. Students will also develop an understanding of how different disciplines work together to make sense of human communication in multilingual contexts: sociolinguistics, anthropology, linguistics, and education.

This objective is met through taking a number of core courses and relevant electives from several different disciplines and departments: Introduction to Applied Linguistics, topics in sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology (language and gender, language and power), language and culture or intercultural communication, for example.

4. Research skills. Students will develop the receptive and productive skills necessary for becoming members of this community of practice. Specifically, they will develop the disciplinary skills to summarize, interpret, and critique both quantitative and qualitative research studies in applied linguistics.  Through this process, students will develop the ability to engage in independent reading of scientific texts and research articles, to design basic research projects as well as to collect, analyze and write about applied linguistic data.

This objective is met through taking an introductory course (Introduction to Applied Linguistics, APLX 80) and the Senior Capstone Seminar on Research in Applied Linguistics  (APLX 190).