PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

This programme seeks to promote high conceptual and inquisitive skills in literary and cultural studies as well as developing student’s competence within specialist literary studies areas. The degree also seeks to generate interest in research in literature and linguistics, widening the students’ knowledge base, competencies, skills and capabilities in the fields of literature and linguistics. To prepare students to adapt to any environment by promoting high conceptual and inquisitive, entrepreneurial skills in the fields of literature and linguistics.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the programme, an applicant must have a good first degree in any of the following:

(1)       Linguistics

(2)       English and Communication

(2)   African Languages and Culture or an approved equivalent from any recognised university.

PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study:               Linguistics and Communication

Specialist Focus:             Linguistics and Communication

Orientation:                     Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning are practically oriented

Distinctive Features:      The programme employs a student-centred approach and offers them an opportunity to participate in national development literature and linguistics programmes.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics degree programme is designed to enhance the competencies of graduates in the fields of (Applied) Linguistics, Communication Industry, Public Relations and University Lectureship.

Further Studies:  Doctoral studies in Linguistics or in inter/multidisciplinary programmes related to the disciplines of Linguistics and Communication.

PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Teaching and Learning Methods:  Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, research project, individual independent study

Assessment Methods:    Written and oral examinations, tests, seminar presentations, and final year research project report.

DEGREE STRUCTURE

Code            Module Description                                                 Credits

MAAL701   Phonetics and Phonology of English                          20

MAAL702   Syntax and Semantics of English                               20

MAAL703   Theories of Second Language Acquisition                  20

Level 1 Semester 2

MAAL704   Genre in English                                                       20

MAAL705   Discourse Analysis of English                                   20

MAAL706   Teaching English as a Second Language                    20

Level 2 Semester 1

MAAL 870   Dissertation                                                              90

 

MODULE SYNOPSES

MAAL 701 Phonetics and Phonology of English

The module introduces students to the approaches to studying phonetics and phonology with special reference to and emphasis on the phonetics and phonology of the English language. Students are taught to apply various ideas views and theories) to establish fields of speech phenomena to arrive at, or rather establish the phonemes of the fields under analysis. The module explores the development of the English language both from diachronic and synchronic perspectives with a specific focus on the developments in its sound patterns and structure.

MAAL 702 Syntax and Semantics of English

The module is an exploration of the two levels of linguistics: syntax and semantics of the English language. The focus is on understanding and making a critical appreciation of syntactic and semantic concepts and theories. Students will be expected to make an appreciation of the different paradigms in the study of syntax and semantics. The module is also an exploration of the syntax-semantics interface.

MAAL 703 Theories of Second Language Acquisition

This module is an introduction to current theories of how second languages are acquired and learned and methods in second language acquisition research.

MAAL 704 Genre in English

The module moves through a theoretical review of the previous genre theoretic propositions, studies and discourse studies. The course thus reviews different traditions of genre theories with the aim of problematising the genre theory theoretical framework debate. These theoretical traditions mainly cover New Rhetoric (NR), Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), Genre Analysis (GA) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) perspectives on the genre. These perspectives, in this module, are considered complementary rather than contradictory in terms of the analytical applications of texts.

MAAL 705 Discourse Analysis of English

The module examines larger linguistic units than the sentence, including conversational structure, speech acts and the ethnography of speaking. It explores concepts in the study of discourse and the role of context in its study. It is a critical appreciation of discourse- linguistic theories and approaches in the study of discourse. The module intends to nurture students who are better communicators and analysts. Taking context into cognisance, the module intends to cover varied areas of discourse analysis and train students to read texts by deconstruction. However, the major focus of this module is on the critical evaluation of discourse theories and their applicability.

MAAL 706 Teaching English as a Second Language

This module surveys current theories and methodologies in the area of teaching English as a second language.

MAAL 707 Variation and Standardisation in English

The module examines variation in a selection of the varieties of English used worldwide in areas including, but not confined to, phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Also considered is the relation of variation to standardisation.

MAAL708 Sociolinguistics of English

The module analyses current theories and research methodologies within the area of sociolinguistics. Topics include, but are not confined to, phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Also considered is the relation of variation to standardisation.

MAAL709 Psycholinguistics of English

The module explores current theories and research methodologies within the area of psycholinguistics. Topics include but are not restricted to first language acquisition, language impairment, and aspects of neurolinguistics.

MAAL710 Theories of Bilingualism

The module surveys aspects of bilingualism, including, but not restricted to, bilingual speech communities, code-switching, code-mixing, language maintenance and bilingual education.

MAAL 870 Dissertation

The dissertation is expected to be between 15 000 to 20 000 words or 100 pages of font 12 with double line spacing and it should be in the area of Applied English Linguistics.