Non-Degree Programs

Relationship to the Master of Arts in Linguistics

All courses listed under the requirements for the TESL Endorsement can be applied toward the Master of Arts degree in Linguistics with a K12 Graduate TESL Certificate. It is anticipated that a graduate of the K12 Graduate TESL Certificate program who has all the prerequisites for the Master of Arts in linguistics can apply for admission to that program and complete the additional 16 credits needed for that degree in approximately four semesters as a part-time student or two semesters as a full-time student. The courses that make up the 16 credits of additional work for the M.A. degree are:

• LIN 5503 - Introduction to Phonology (4 credits)   
• LIN 5504 - Introduction to Syntax  (4 credits)
• LIN 5505 - Phonetic Theory (4 credits) 
• LIN 6998 - Seminar in Linguistics (4 credits)   

                 or

• LIN 6999 - The Master’s Thesis (4 credits)  

For students completing the K12 Graduate TESL Certificate program who have less than a 3.0 grade-point average in courses taken in that program, and who wish to apply for admission to the M.A. program, the Department of Linguistics will consider their applications on an individual basis.

All of the credits are subject to the six-year time limit.

Please note that the Michigan Department of Education requires the following of candidates that are working toward their K12 ESL endorsement:

• Completion of a core content area program in conjunction with or prior to adding the ESL endorsement
• Candidates must have completed a core content program in Elementary Education, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, or Mathematics as a base for the ESL endorsement
• Students must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting Oakland University's English language proficiency requirement upon registration for the program
• Students must also have documented experience learning a second language equivalent to two semesters’ worth of college-level study in order to gain an understanding and appreciation of the processes of learning an additional language

LIN 5501 Linguistic Structures (4)

An introduction to linguistic analysis and the nature of human language within a modern linguistic framework using data from English and other languages. This course provides an overview of sound, structure, meaning, dialect variation, historical change, and linguistic universals. A grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate work is ordinarily the minimum standard for admission to the Master of Arts in linguistics program.

ALS 5589 Special Education and Second Language Acquisition (4)

Provides comprehensive information about the process of determining whether a struggling English leaner has an underlying disability, or if difficulties are due to a lack of language proficiency. This course will provide an overview of research-based assessment, diagnosis, accommodations, and interventions that address the complex learning needs of at-risk English learners. This course will also provide guidelines for special education refferals fair evaluation procedures for English learners.

ALS 6530 Language Acquisition (2)

First language acquisition in children: stages of the acquisition process, the role of the environment, and the relationship between language and the development of other skills. Second language learning in children: influence of first language, age differentials, learning styles, and factors affecting second language learning. Description and evaluation of competing models of acquisition.

ALS 6570 Language, Culture, and Society (2)

Language in cultural and social context. Sociocultural variables in language use, in style and dialect, and in bilingual and multilingual educational situations. Comparison and interrelationship of English-speaking and linguistically diverse cultures. Effect of national/ethnic cultures on communication. Examination of role of language and nonverbal modes in intercultural communication.

ALS 6630 Language Pedagogy (4)

Investigation of current methods, approaches, and techniques for teaching ESL to LEP K-12 students. Focus on actual classroom practices and activities for teaching reading, writing, listening, pronunciation, conversation, grammar, and vocabulary, and integration of techniques to reflect language use. Design of lessons and activities for each skill area of language learning.

ALS 6631 Curriculum and Material Design (2)

Design, evaluation, and selection of materials appropriate for second language learners. Focus on determination of age appropriate and proficiency-appropriate materials. Modification of existing materials and/or assigned curricula to meet student needs. Design of curricula for K-12 ESL learners consistent with theory-based expectations of language improvement.

ALS 6632 Assessment and Compliance (2)

Identification, assessment, and placement of students in proficiency-appropriate levels and programs. Investigation of ESL assessment tools. Design of assessment tools for classroom use. Investigation of strategies for preparation of LEP students for standardized tests. Investigation of legal implications of Title VI in curriculum and program design.

ALS 6960 ESL Practicum (4)

Supervised experience in ESL with students at various levels (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) and ages (K-12). Graded S/U.