THE PH.D. PROGRAM IN FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES
SPECIALIZATION IN LINGUISTICS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Specialization in Linguistics emphasizes the foundational theory of linguistics and its relation to the acquisition and use of French. The core of the program includes not only the traditional subfields of linguistics (phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics), but also disciplines that explore the interrelations between those rule systems and the language acquisition process, effective language teaching, and inquiries into the role of language in society.

STATEMENT OF GOALS

The main objective of the French Ph.D. Specialization in Linguistics is to prepare scholars to conduct systematic examinations of the structure of the French language, its acquisition, teaching, and/or use in society in order to build upon existing theories in those areas.

The design of the Specialization enables a graduate student to:

1. evaluate and contribute to existing research in French linguistics and related disciplines;
2. apply appropriate research design and methodologies to the study of language, its acquisition, teaching, and role in society;
3. communicate knowledge of the field to students, faculty, and experts in French Linguistics and related disciplines; and
4. design and conduct research that illuminates the multiple dimensions of the study of the French language as a code, a mode of social existence, communication, and cognition.

Graduates from the French Ph.D. Specialization in 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 theory, acquisition, use, users, and teaching of French. They will also be prepared to teach courses in general, theoretical, and applied linguistics.

COURSEWORK FOR THE PHD SPECIALIZATION IN LINGUISTICS

Students are required to take 36 credits in the following courses. Please note that if a given requirement has already been fulfilled at the MA level at Penn State, the relevant credits automatically revert to the Electives category. Students transferring from other universities and who hold an MA in linguistics may satisfy certain course requirements by successfully passing the relevant questions on the MA Exam. All students should consult with their advisors to determine how best to use Elective credits to prepare for research on the PhD dissertation.

Foundations in Linguistic Theory

• Phonology (LING 504 and FR 503) 6 credits
• Syntax (LING 500 and FR 504) 6 credits
• Semantics (FR 505) 3 credits

Foundations in the Study of Language and Language Learning

• Sociolinguistics 3 credits
• Second Language Acquisition 3 credits
• Psycholinguistics 3 credits
• Research Design 3 credits
• Pedagogy (FR 581) 3 credits

Electives 6 credits

Suggested Sequence of Courses

• Semester 1: LING 500, LING 504, Sociolinguistics
• Semester 2: Second Language Acquisition, FR 503, FR 505
• Semester 3: Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Elective
• Semester 4: Research Design, Elective, Elective

EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

Candidacy Examinations
During the third semester of Ph.D. work, all candidates in the Linguistics Option must satisfactorily complete a candidacy examination. At the beginning of the semester the candidate should formulate a three member committee and submit a request to schedule the candidacy exam. By the fifth week of the semester the candidate submits 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 Linguistics and related areas, and a brief description of the proposed dissertation research showing relevant coursework completed and projected.

Two or three weeks 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:

• to determine whether the candidate has achieved a level of learning and understanding sufficient to justify acceptance as a doctoral candidate,
• to discover what further study is required to bring the candidate to the competence required for the proposed dissertation research, and
• 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
A Candidate in the French Ph.D. Option in Linguistics will complete a comprehensive examination designed to assess in-depth knowledge of and ability to synthesize and integrate theoretical issues in Linguistics and French. This examination is taken upon completion of all course work and the fulfillment of all degree requirements (usually during the fifth semester of the Ph.D.). The candidate, in consultation with his or her advisor, will formulate a four or five-member Ph.D. Committee by submitting a committee signature page to the Graduate School (see graduate staff assistant for form). The Ph.D. 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 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.

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