Graduate Studies
Master of Arts in Bilingualism Studies (MA)
Objectives of the Program
The program focuses on several critical issues in the field of Applied Linguistics, including methodological and technological innovations in adult second language instruction, assessment of adult second language competence, as well as language policy and planning.
The primary objective of the program is to offer a strong graduate education in Bilingualism Studies. It provides students with advanced research skills achieved through a specialized research methodology course, writing extensive research papers and, where applicable, conducting thesis related research.
The program will draw upon the expertise of professors from OLBI and from other departments in the Faculty of Arts, and in the faculties of Education and Social Sciences.
Career Opportunities
Career prospects for the graduates of this program are excellent in Canada and abroad. Graduates may find employment in several areas, including the following:
- Teaching ESL or FLS to adults in educational institutions;
- Language planning and evaluation of language policy in government, local/national and international organizations and agencies;
- Working in private sector organizations such as language schools or community-based programs;
- Developing language assessment tools and tests;
- Developing language software.
Options
- MA with thesis;
- MA with research paper.
Both program options will prepare students to pursue further graduate studies at the PhD level in the field.
Bilingual Program
- The program will be offered in English and in French with an equal number of courses in each language;
- Students will be required to take one compulsory course in English and one in French;
- The electives can be taken in either language.
If you are unsure of your proficiency level in your second official language, please email OLBI’s Language Testing Services at L2test@uOttawa.ca to request an assessment.
All applicants must have an excellent knowledge of either English or French and at least a receptive knowledge of the other language. However, in accordance with University of Ottawa policy, students have the right to produce their work in French or in English. Graduates of French immersion programs who are capable of studying in both official languages and motivated to maintain their French language skills are strongly encouraged to apply.
Financial Support
Research assistantships are available from the OLBI Research Chairs and other OLBI professors to sponsor students registered in the program with the required academic profiles and research interests. Teaching assistantships may also be offered to qualified registered students.
Admission Information
| Studies | Session for admission |
| Fall (as of 2014) | |
| Full-time | X |
| Part-time | X |
Who should apply to this program?
Students with an honours Bachelor of Arts in:
- Second Language Teaching / Didactique des langues secondes (or its equivalent);
- Applied Linguistics;
- A related discipline.
Students with a three-year Bachelor's degree in
- Applied Linguistics, or a related discipline, in addition to a university-level, university-administered advanced certificate in TESOL (Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages), representing a minimum of 30 credits.
For further information, including the application form, consult the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Courses
Fall 2015
BIL5101 Issues in Bilingualism Studies (3 cr.)
(Professor: Sima Paribakht)
Theories of language and language learning. Social factors, processes, conditions, and learner factors in second language learning. Bilingualism, multilingualism, and cross- cultural communication. Political, social, and cultural factors in planning and implementing language policy. Language planning and policy evaluation. Research applications in these areas.
BIL5104 Trends and Issues in Research on Technology-Assisted Language Learning (3 cr.)
(Professor: Marie-Josée Hamel)
Critical analysis of trends and issues in research on the design, integration, use and evaluation of multimedia and information and communication technologies in adult second language learning. Overview of innovative research and development methods, and tools and unique techniques used in Computer-assisted language learning (CALL).
BIL5507 Planification et politique linguistiques au Canada (3 cr.)
(Professor : Sylvie Lamoureux)
Historique du bilinguisme officiel au Canada et questions de l'heure. Plurilinguisme individuel et sociétal dans le cadre d'un bilinguisme officiel. Marginalisation, minorisation, glottophagie et classes sociales. Relations fédérales-provinciales et les questions linguistiques. Développement sociétal et langues.
Winter 2016
BIL5502 Méthodologies de recherche en études du bilinguisme (3cr.)
(Professor: Jérémie Séror)
Approches méthodologiques à la planification d’études pour les études sur l'apprentissage et l’usage des langues secondes. Application des méthodes statistiques. Approches expérimentales et quasi-expérimentales. Méthodes quantitatives et qualitatives.
BIL5503 Évaluation de la compétence en langue seconde (3 cr.)
(Professor: Beverly Baker)
Questions théoriques se rapportant à l'évaluation des habiletés en langue seconde. Cadres descriptifs et standards d'évaluation des habiletés langagières réceptives et productive. Évaluation de la connaissance lexicale et grammaticale. Construction de tests de langue. Développement d'échelles de mesure. Revue et critique des tests commerciaux.
BIL5106 Adult Second/Foreign Language Skills Development (3 cr.)
(Professor: Nikolay Slavkov)
Critical examination of the theoretical principles underlying learning of the major language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and component skills (grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation). Survey of research and practice related to learning language skills.