Research Methods

Research Methodology courses include Discourse Analysis (Engl 527), Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (Engl 623), one course in Qualitative Research Methods (e.g., Soc 513), and one course in Quantitative Research Methods (e.g., Stat 401).

Electives

Electives in Applied Linguistics and Technology constitute a coherent group of courses selected by the student and approved by the faculty. Electives include four courses, two of which must be Seminars in Applied Linguistics and one of which must be in technology. The Seminar in Applied Linguistics (Engl 630) is a repeatable course with differing topics, such as feedback in CALL programs, response analysis in assessment programs, computer-based assessment of Business English, or programming for inter-language analysis. Students must take this course twice to fulfill this requirement. The course in technology may be either a seminar in applied linguistics or a course in another discipline.

Other electives may be taken in disciplines such as the following:

• English Literature
• Foreign Language Literature and Linguistics
• Education
• Rhetoric and Professional Communication
• Anthropology
• Computer Science

Students are encouraged to consult with their program advisers about ideas for designing individual programs. Students may, under special circumstances, transfer in elective credits.

Foreign Language Requirement

Given the international and intercultural nature of applied linguistics, holders of doctorates in the field should have personal experience learning a second language and be able to conduct some research or teaching activities in a language other than English. Students may, however, vary with respect to the focus they want to give to oral or written skills. The language requirement for this degree, therefore, entails the following options:

Native speakers of English

Students who are native speakers of English can satisfy the language requirement by

1. passing an oral examination in a foreign language, conducted under the supervision of the student's POS committee, that ensures the student demonstrates language ability at the Advanced Level of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages proficiency scale
or
2. passing a reading/translation test, translating published work in applied linguistics from a foreign language into English
or
3. completing three years or the equivalent of college-level study in a single foreign language with grades of B or higher

Nonnative speakers of English

Nonnative speakers of English from countries where English is not the medium of instruction do not need to satisfy one of the above criteria. The TOEFL score submitted for admission and the ability to do doctoral-level work in English is considered evidence of a student's ability to use a second language for their scholarly activities.

To satisfy Iowa State University Graduate College language requirements, nonnative speakers of English who did not graduate from a U.S. institution must

• pass the English Placement Test (as a graduate student); if students fail this examination, they will be required to take English classes

To satisfy Iowa State University Graduate College language requirements, nonnative speakers of English who did graduate from a U.S. institution must

• submit to the Graduate College the Graduate English Requirement Approval form. Two conditions must be met:

1) the student must have received a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree from a U.S. college or university and

2) the language of instruction at that college or university must have been in English.