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Applied Linguistics Minor

Format: Face To Face Credits: 21-23

Applied Linguistics (AL) is an interdisciplinary field that investigates and offers solutions to language-related problems in the world. The AL minor has 2 tracks: General and English as Second Language (ESL).

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General Track

The general track of the AL minor is designed for students interested in pursuing the systematic study of language and applied issues in its acquisition, teaching, and use, including the teaching of English as a foreign language. Students with this minor are well prepared to teach English internationally, and to work in such settings as adult literacy, refugee services, publishing, and nonprofit organizations.

General AL Minor Coursework

Students earn the minor by completing 21 credits, including:

Three required AL courses in English (nine credits):

  • ENG 261 - Foundations of Language Study (prerequisite)
  • ENG 363 - Applied Linguistics
  • ENG 364 - Sociolinguistics

Three elective AL courses in English (nine credits), chosen from:

  • ENG 362 - History of English
  • ENG 365 - Teaching ESL (TESL)
  • ENG 366 - English Grammar and Usage
  • ENG 392 - Language and Power
  • ENG 461 - Language and Gender
  • ENG 465 - Second Language Reading and Writing
  • ENG 469 - ESL Teaching Practicum

And one cross-departmental AL elective (three credits).

Visit gvsu.edu/english/alminor for complete list of elective courses and consult your advisor for options to build your course of study.

ESL Track

The ESL track of the AL minor is designed for students planning to teach in U.S. K-12 schools. The curriculum meets MDE standards for a teachable minor for certification, and leads to ESL endorsement, an add-on credential to a Michigan teaching license.

ESL Minor Coursework

Students earn the ESL minor by completing 23 credits:

Six AL courses in English (18 credits):

  • ENG 261 - Foundations of Language Study
  • ENG 355 - Teaching ELs PK-6 (PCKET) or ENG 365
  • ENG 363 - Applied Linguistics
  • ENG 364 - Sociolinguistics
  • ENG 366 - English Grammar and Usage
  • ENG 465 - Second Language Reading and Writing

And, an ESL teaching practicum* in CECI (five credits):

  • EDR 470 - Directed Teaching in ESL: Elementary, or
  • EDR 471 - Directed Teaching in ESL: Secondary

* EDR 470 and 471 are offered in winter only, during a 20-week semester, and must be taken concurrently with EDI 430 or 431.

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this program study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face
Visit the online catalog for courses and program details.

Helpful Links

For More Information

Department of English

Colleen Brice, Ph.D., Applied Linguistics Area Head
[email protected]
235 Lake Huron Hall
(616) 331-3400

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions