Department of French and Francophone Studies
Graduate Student Handbook
The Ph.D. in French: Specialization in Applied Linguistics
The requirements for the Specialization in Linguistics are currently undergoing significant revision to include an equal emphasis on the foundational theory of linguistics and studies related to language acquisition and use. That is, the core of the program is being reworked to include the traditional subfields of linguistics (namely, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics) alongside those disciplines that explore the interrelations between the grammar and the language acquisition process, effective language teaching, and inquiries into the role of language in society. For more information, please contact Professor Lisa A. Reed.
General Description
The Option in Applied Linguistics emphasizes the foundational theory
of applied linguistics related to the acquisition and use of French.
Statement of Goals
The main objective of the French Ph.D. Option in Applied Linguistics
is to prepare scholars who will conduct systematic examinations of
individual and societal multilingualism in order to build upon current
theories of how linguistic systems develop, are acquired, used, and
taught in global contexts.
The design of the Option enables a graduate student to:
1. evaluate and contribute to existing research in French and Applied
Linguistics and related disciplines.
2. apply appropriate research design and methodologies to the study
of language, language acquisition, language use, and language teaching.
3. communicate knowledge of the field to students, faculty, and experts
in French, Applied Linguistics, and related disciplines.
4. design and conduct research that illuminates the multiple dimensions
of the study of the French language as a mode of social existence,
communication, and cognition.
Graduates from the French Ph.D. Option in Applied Linguistics will
be prepared for employment in institutions of higher education and/or
language acquisition and research centers, where they will conduct
research that focuses on matters relating to the acquisition, use,
users, and teaching of French. They will also be prepared to teach
courses in applied linguistics and in general and/or theoretical linguistics.
Coursework
Students are required to take 36 credits in the following courses:
- French Applied Linguistics (to include FR 581) 9 credits
- Electives in French 6 credits
- Syntax (LING 500 or FR 504) 3 credits
- Phonology (LING 504 or FR 503) 3 credits
- Psycholinguistics (LING/PSY 520) 3 credits
- Second Language Acquisition (APLNG 591) 3 credits
- Sociolinguistics (LING 548) 3 credits
- Discourse Analysis (APLNG/SPCOM 581) 3 credits
- Research Design (APLNG 593 or 592) 3 credits
Examination Procedures
Candidacy Examinations
During the third semester of Ph.D. work, all candidates in the Option
in Applied Linguistics must satisfactorily complete a candidacy examination
in which they are required to present a portfolio of work completed
to date in their program of study. The portfolio will include a transcript
of the candidate's academic record, a program plan, samples of scholarly
work in French and Applied Linguistics and related areas, and a brief
description of the proposed dissertation research showing relevant
coursework completed and projected. Following the submission of the
written document, the candidate will meet with the members of his
or her doctoral committee for an oral candidacy examination. A portion
of this examination will be spoken in French.
The purpose of the examination
is three-fold: (a) to determine whether the candidate has achieved
a level of learning and understanding sufficient to justify acceptance
as a doctoral candidate, (b) to discover what further study is required
to bring the candidate to the competence required for the proposed
dissertation research, and (c) to secure approval of a program of
coursework to achieve the requisite competence. The particulars of
each candidate's program of study and research are defined on the
basis of the candidacy examination.
Comprehensive Examinations
Candidates in the French Ph.D. Option in Applied Linguistics will
complete a comprehensive examination designed to assess in-depth knowledge
of and ability to synthesize and integrate theoretical issues in Applied
Linguistics and French. This examination is taken upon completion
of all course work and the fulfillment of all degree requirements.
A four or five-member committee contributes to the design of the examination,
reads the written examination, and participates in the oral examination.
The examination consists of two parts:
Written component
The student will present two original research papers prepared in
advance, and two additional papers prepared for the examination. The
examination papers address a set of research problems in applied linguistics
related to the candidate’s specific interests as defined in
consultation with the committee during an initial Ph.D. Comprehensive
Examination Meeting.
Oral Component
Within three weeks of successful completion of the written examination,
the student will take an oral examination based on the original research
papers and the examination papers.
