Applied Linguistics & TESOL Faculty Chair:
Department of Applied Linguistics & TESOL offers three programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The Graduate Certificate in TESOL provides students with practical pedagogical skills to teach the English language to adults. It can be completed on its own or combined with another M.A. such as Theology, Intercultural Studies or Applied Linguistics. For those who need more than basic teaching skills, the Master of Arts in TESOL builds on the certificate ʼ s foundation and prepares students to design courses, assess students, train teachers, administer programs, write materials, and teach specialized classes. The Master of Arts in TESOL (Online) is designed for experienced ESL / EFL teachers who desire to further develop their expertise while remaining in their current place of service. The TESOL programs at Biola combine academic rigor and practical skills to prepare teachers to work with integrity in a variety of teaching contexts. The focus of the TESOL programs is post-secondary and adult education both in the United States and international contexts. Those interested in K-12 ESL in U.S. schools should consult with the School of Education. The certificate, Master of Arts in TESOL, and Master of Arts in TESOL (Online) are at the graduate (post- baccalaureate) level, but the department also offers an undergraduate minor. Students interested in TESOL training may note that there is an unregulated market for a wide range of “certificates.” While Biola University-issued TESOL certificates are for year-long programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the department can also prepare certificates of completion for students who complete one or more courses. These certificates specify number of contact hours and topics covered. Admission Requirements Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average. Applicants must submit a written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the degree will relate to those objectives; a one-page typed letter should be appended to the application. Three letters of reference on forms supplied by Biola are required, as are official transcripts of previous schools attended. Applicants who are non-native English speakers must demonstrate both spoken and written proficiency in English through an oral interview with an admissions counselor or faculty member and through submission of an internationally recognized standardized test of English (taken within the last two years). A TOEFL score of 600 PBT / 250 CBT / 100 iBT is normally required. The essay score should be at least 5.5. Alternatively, an IELTS score of 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element) is required. Foundational Requirements Graduate programs in the department require between 6 and 15 foundational units as noted below, depending on the program. Students entering the program without the stated foundational units may take them concurrently with regular program courses, normally completing them by the end of the first year. Because teachers and applied linguists are expected to have a high degree of competence in written English, all new graduate students, both native and non-native English speakers, are required to take the department ʼ s Writing Proficiency Exam. If the results indicate that the student needs additional work in grammar and composition to perform at the level expected for these fields, he or she will be directed to take a writing course in the English Language Studies Program or do independent supplementary work on writing. Program Requirements The TESOL graduate programs require nine units of foundational work in language, culture, and Bible. Beyond the foundational units, the Graduate Certificate in TESOL requires 16 units of prescribed course work, and the Master of Arts in TESOL requires 33 units, and the Master of Arts in TESOL (Online) requires 33 units. A
John Liang, Ph.D. Lessard-Clouston, Liang, Purgason
Associate Professors: Assistant Professor:
S. Barber
Mission & Learning Outcomes In today ʼ s globalized world, many problems revolve around language. In some situations people are cut off from access to the means of development because of language; in other situations people are cut off from their cultural heritage because of language. People unable to communicate with each other are likely to experience hostility rather than community. The Department of Applied Linguistics & TESOL focuses on addressing language- related problems and using language to solve a variety of human problems for the sake of God ʼ s redeeming work among all peoples. We equip Christian professionals in language-related fields to serve with integrity. All of the ALT programs are premised on the values of professional preparation, contextual sensitivity, cultural appropriateness, and ethical service. Applied Linguistics A Certificate in Linguistics is available for those who need a foundation in linguistic analysis and practical methods for learning a new language and culture. The Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics provides a broad multi- disciplinary foundation to deal with literacy, lexicography, language surveys and planning, orthography, bilingual and multilingual education, language acquisition, translation, and other language- related issues. It combines academic rigor and practical skills for students seeking appropriate solutions to real-world problems. Students may either pursue a generalist track or may choose to specialize in linguistics, translation, literacy, language survey, or TESOL. Those who want to specialize in Bible translation also have the option of the Master of Arts in Linguistics & Biblical Languages . This degree combines the resources of Talbot School of Theology, where students take classes in Greek or Hebrew and biblical exegesis, and the Department of Applied Linguistics & TESOL where they take classes in linguistics and translation. The application of linguistic principles to the study of the biblical languages facilitates a deeper understanding of these languages. The study of Greek or Hebrew and linguistics develops skills in exegesis and translation for virtually any language situation. SIL at Biola Each of these Applied Linguistics programs benefits from SIL-at- Biola, a collaboration between the Summer Institute of Linguistics and Biola. Experienced instructors who have served with Wycliffe Bible Translators cooperate in teaching a range of courses here. These courses are equivalent to those offered at other SIL schools and are recognized as valid for membership in Wycliffe and other similar organizations. Depending on the expected field of service and specialty, some students, however, may need to take additional courses at Biola or other SIL summer programs to meet all their SIL training requirements. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) The wide use of English as an international language has created a demand for English teachers around the world. The flow of immigrants, refugees, and international students into the United States has also created a demand here. To give students the qualifications and expertise they need to meet these demands, the
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