This applied linguistics course focuses on issues of language and its application to educational theory and practice. Students learn to analyze the major subsystems of English, identify ESL students' learning challenges, and develop strategies for promoting language acquisition. Students are evaluated on their attendance and participation. They also keep regular language awareness journals, do readings after every class, and complete short papers on an assigned topic every week. Two oral presentations are also required.

Course Description: Educational Linguistics deals with training and research in linguistics as it relates to educational theory and practice, specifically the teaching and learning of K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Topics include English structures and analysis, identification of ESL students’ learning challenges, and pedagogical strategies to promote language acquisition.

Course Texts:
Justice, Paul. (2004). Relevant Linguistics: An Introduction to the Structure and Use of English for Teachers. Second Edition. Palo Alto: CSLI Publications.
Denham, K., & Lobeck, A. (Eds.). (2005). Language in the Schools: Integrating linguistic knowledge into K-12 teaching. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

We will also be reading selected articles and chapters, which I will give you or direct you to on the internet or the CTools website.

Course Goals: Students will:
1. develop an understanding of the complex nature of language
2. learn about the subsystems of English and develop skills of linguistic analysis
3. understand language as a sociopolitical and historical construct
4. appreciate language variation
5. be able to identify the learning challenges of ESL students
6. design appropriate activities to address ESL students’ language learning challenges
7. cultivate attitudes of inquiry regarding language

Course Requirements:
1. Satisfactorily complete all readings and written assignments (50% of course grade)
2. Attend class and participate (can be non-verbal) (30% of course grade)
3. Complete final project (guidelines to be provided) (20% of course grade)