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M.A. DEGREE PROGRAM IN FRENCH LINGUISTICS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The objectives of the M.A. program in French
Linguistics are two-fold: first, to improve students' understanding
of French language, literature, and culture beyond the levels
of competency expected of undergraduate majors; and second,
to provide an introduction to theoretical issues in linguistics
and applied linguistics through the study of contemporary research
in these areas. The core of the program in French Linguistics
may serve as the foundation for continued study at the Ph.D.
level.
GOALS
- To teach students to read the literature in linguistics and applied linguistics with critical appreciation and to articulate their understanding of the texts
- To introduce students to theoretical issues in linguistics and applied linguistics
- To develop students' analytical, critical, and methodological skills
- To enhance students' oral and written communication skills in French
ADVISING
Once admitted to a degree program, a student is assigned a faculty member for advising. The advisor's role is to assist the student in further clarifying interests and in developing a program of study. It is the responsibility of the advisor to help the student develop an academic plan and to serve as a guide in the successful completion of all requirements. It is the student's responsibility to verify Graduate School policies and procedures pertaining to his or her particular degree program.
Students are urged to consult with their advisors at least 2 (two) times per semester and more often as needed.
COURSES
All candidates for the M.A. in French are required to enroll in four core courses:
- French 571 (French Literary Theory and Criticism);
- French 502 (Introduction to French Linguistics);
- French 580 (Approaches to French Civilization); and
- French 581 (Theory and Techniques of Teaching French).
In addition to the four required courses designated above, M.A. candidates in French Linguistics are expected to take four three-credit courses in Linguistics or in Applied Linguistics and two three-credit courses in French electives (chosen in consultation with the student's adviser).
Below is one sample course schedule that fulfills these requirements, ensures that the courses explicitly tested on M.A. Examination are scheduled in the first two semesters, and allows those continuing on in the PhD program to fulfill the maximum number of required credits at the M.A. level, thereby opening up the greatest possible number of electives at the PhD level. Students should bear in mind that this is only one of many possible configurations for their coursework. While the scheduling indicated for the first two semesters should be followed to the greatest degree allowed by current course offerings, students do have the option of delaying the linguistics courses indicated below in the third and fourth semesters until the PhD. They are strongly encouraged to exercise this option if they prefer to pursue interests in French literature or civilization, anthropology, or other areas of linguistics, including, but not limited to, sociolinguistics and history of the French language.
Semester 1
- APLNG 482 Introduction to Applied Linguistics (3 credits)
- LING 500 Syntactic Theory or LING 504 Phonology (3 credits)
- FR 581 Theory and Techniques of Teaching French (3 credits)
Semester 2
- FR 502 Introduction to French Linguistics
or FR 505 French Semantics (3 credits)
- LING 520 Seminar in Psycholinguistics (3 credits)
- FR 503 French Phonology
or FR 504 French Syntax (3 credits)
Semester 3
- APLNG 591 Seminar in Second Language Acquisition
or
LING 500 Syntactic Theory
or LING 504 Phonology (3 credits)
- FR 571 French Literary Theory and Criticism (3 credits)
- FR 580 Approaches to French Civilization (3 credits)
Semester 4
- FR 502 Introduction to French Linguistics
or
FR 505 French Semantics (3 credits)
- FR 503 French Phonology
or FR 504 French Syntax (3 credits)
- SPAN 513 Acquisition of Spanish as a Second Language (3 credits)
MASTER'S EXAMINATION
Formal evaluation for completion of the M.A. degree will take the form of a comprehensive written examination of the major concepts discussed in the coursework in theoretical and applied linguistics and/or natural extensions of those concepts. That is, questions will be drawn from the topics covered in the "first" courses in applied linguistics (APLNG 482, FR 581, LING 520) and their counterparts in theoretical (LING 500 or LING 504 & FR 502 or FR 505).
In addition to verifying native or near-native fluency in the French language, the M.A. examination will also assess the M.A. candidate's ability to demonstrate appropriate depth of knowledge of the field, skills in synthesis, and ability to deal with a linguistic problem analytically.
Candidates will be asked to answer three of a minimum of four questions on topics in both theoretical and applied linguistics. One of the questions will be written and require an answer in French. The exam will take place over two days, four hours each day. The questions will be available at 9:00 a.m. in the secretariat, 72 hours before the date of the examination. After picking up the list of questions, students have up to three days to consult reference material. On the date of the first four-hour exam, students may begin writing any time from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The complete exam must be handed in by 3:00 p.m. at the latest. Students are allowed a single-sided page of typed or hand-written notes only, standard 12 point font, and 1 inch margins. The notes are to be handed in with the examination.
The examination is corrected by a jury of three professors. If the verdict is not unanimous, an additional two members will be appointed. The decision of the majority of members is then final.
The exam is scheduled the last two weeks of January.
Candidates must file a formal request for examination by September 15th of the previous year. The requisite form is available in the main office.
MASTER'S PAPER OR THESIS
Normally, students opt for a Master's Paper, which is based on research presented as a course project. The student should ask one faculty member to serve as the supervisor of the Master's Paper and another to serve as a second reader. The Master's Paper should be approximately 20 pages in length. A draft of the Master's Paper should be submitted to the supervisor within the second month of the semester that the student plans to graduate. A Report of the Master's Paper Draft Review form, including the signatures of the supervisor and the second reader, must be submitted to the department. The final Master's Paper, along with the signed Report of Completed Master's Paper form, must be submitted to the French and Francophone Studies Department at least two week before the end of classes in the semester that the student plans to graduate. The form is available in the department office.
For some students, an M.A. thesis, demonstrating research methods and interpretive skills, may be appropriate. A thesis must be directed by a French Graduate Faculty member. In consultation with the academic advisor, three of the six credits of thesis research required by the Graduate School for an M.A. thesis replace one elective course. Please check with the Thesis Office regarding format and due dates. Master's theses must be submitted to the French and Francophone Studies Department at least one week prior to published Graduate School deadlines
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