Master of Arts Second Language Education

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Red Location IconProgram Location
Education Building

Red Student IconStart Term
Fall Semesters

Red Book IconProgram Type
Thesis, Project, or Coursework

Red Calendar IconSchedule
Full-Time/Part-Time

Red Clipboard IconCredits
45 Credits

Red Clock IconAverage Duration
Full-Time: Up to 3 Years
Part-Time: Up to 5 Years
 

 

Master of Arts Second Language Education (Course Work)

 

Full Program Details from the Course Catalogue

Second Language Education (M.A.): Coursework (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)   
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45

Program Description

The M.A. in Second Language Education; Non-Thesis – Course Work consists of 45 credits of coursework. The program provides an overview of second language acquisition theory, research and research methods, including quantitative and qualitative approaches. It covers a wide range of current topics in applied linguistics and offers opportunities to specialize in educational sociolinguistics, curricular/methods and program planning (e.g., content-based language teaching, immersion), language policy and planning, and critical applied linguistics.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Required Courses (12 credits)

Expand allContract all Course List
Course Title Credits
EDEM 609Critical Perspectives in Educational Theory and Research.3

Critical Perspectives in Educational Theory and Research.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Critical exploration of contemporary issues in educational theory and research, in terms of current scholarship in the field, current educational contexts, and various research paradigms. Educational issues as expressions of social, ethical, political, economic, epistemological and cultural reconfigurations. Students will learn to be critical consumers of educational theories and research.

See course page for more information

EDPE 575Statistics for Practitioners.3

Statistics for Practitioners.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Understanding and interpreting basic statistical procedures used in basic and applied research, including graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, hypothesis testing, and correlations, t-tests, and basic ANOVA designs.

See course page for more information

EDSL 623Second Language Learning.3

Second Language Learning.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Seminar in second language acquisition theory and research and their relevance to teaching a second language.

See course page for more information

EDSL 627Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research.3

Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Seminar in second language classroom-centred research focusing on instructional procedures and practices in relationship to learning outcomes.

See course page for more information

Complementary Courses (24 credits)

12-18 credits chosen from the following courses:

Expand allContract all Course List
Course Title Credits
EDEC 630Ethnographic Approaches to Research .3

Ethnographic Approaches to Research .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Ethnography as a qualitative research approach that allows researchers to conduct in-depth studies of complex social and cultural practices. Hands-on experience in ethnographic field work and practice ethnographic research methods are offered. Focus on history and application of a range of ethnographic approaches including traditional, critical, visual, activist, institutional, and collaborative ethnography.

See course page for more information

EDEM 690Research Methods: Theory and Practice.3

Research Methods: Theory and Practice.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Overview of the epistemological foundations of a range of research methods, including but not limited to quantitative, philosophical, qualitative, arts-based, and mixed methods. Students will learn techniques to conduct research and to develop a research proposal.

See course page for more information

EDSL 601Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 1.3

Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 1.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Applications of current theories and models of second language development and their implications for teaching all language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), including lesson planning, materials selection and development, activities and assessment in various formal and community second language education settings. Principles and methods for formative and summative assessment.

See course page for more information

EDSL 602Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 2.3

Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 2.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Continuation of topics covered in EDSL 601 with further applications. Exploration of the kinds of information needed to make educational decisions in second language courses, different techniques for collecting that information, and ways for interpreting it.

See course page for more information

EDSL 617Special Topics in Second Language Education.3

Special Topics in Second Language Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

In-depth study of current topics in Second Language Education. (Content varies from year to year.)

See course page for more information

EDSL 620Social Justice Issues in Second Language Education.3

Social Justice Issues in Second Language Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An examination of social identity, non-dominant languages, and power relations among speakers, and their impact on the nature of second/additional language teaching, learning and use, from the perspective of critical applied linguistics. Topics range from the micro level of the individual to the macro level of language planning and policy-making.

See course page for more information

EDSL 624Educational Sociolinguistics.3

Educational Sociolinguistics.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Seminar in the social, cultural and political dimensions of English second language learning and teaching.

See course page for more information

EDSL 628Plurilingualism&Translanguaging in Education and Research .3

PlurilingualismTranslanguaging in Education and Research .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Dynamic vision of language and the repertoire of users of two or more languages, including recent theories of translingualism, translanguaging, and plurilingualism. Examination of research and pedagogical implementation of these theories in diverse languages, classrooms and contexts.

See course page for more information

EDSL 631Second Language Curriculum.3

Second Language Curriculum.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Research, theory and practice in curriculum development and teaching in second language education within contemporary frameworks.

See course page for more information

EDSL 632Second Language Literacy Development.3

Second Language Literacy Development.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theory and research related to the teaching and learning of second language literacy. The orientation is on reading and writing as a socio-cognitive activity.

See course page for more information

EDSL 640Language Awareness: Theory and Practice.3

Language Awareness: Theory and Practice.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Explores the concept of language awareness-learners’ and teachers’ explicit knowledge about and conscious perception of language in relation to its learning, teaching, and use. Will further outline possibilities for promoting learners’ language awareness in the L2 classroom.

See course page for more information

EDSL 651Content-Based L2 Learning.3

Content-Based L2 Learning.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theoretical research underpinnings of learning a second language through content-based approaches and analysis of empirical studies undertaken in a wide range of immersion and other content-based L2 classrooms.

See course page for more information

Complementary Courses

6-12 credits from the following:

Expand allContract all Course List
Course Title Credits
EDEA 555Applied Theatre.3

Applied Theatre.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Exploration of the practices of theatre and drama in non-traditional settings, encompassing theatre practices and process drama that tackle areas of social and cultural policy such as public health, education, housing and social welfare.

See course page for more information

EDEA 655Arts-Based Educational Research.3

Arts-Based Educational Research.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Forms of thinking and portraying that emanate from the arts: music, dance, drama, visual art, poetry, which provide an aesthetically-oriented lens from which to examine perspectives and premises that influence educational practice, and to develop processes that use one or more of the arts.

See course page for more information

EDEC 604Literacy and Learning Across Curriculum.3

Literacy and Learning Across Curriculum.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Examination of the central role of language in learning across the curriculum: the processes by which pupils acquire information and understanding and the ways in which teaching must take account of these processes: learning through talk, learning by writing, learning from text.

See course page for more information

EDEC 606Self-Study, Autoethnography, and Autobiographical Research .3

Self-Study, Autoethnography, and Autobiographical Research .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Critical and ethical engagement with the relationship between self and other through various auto/biographical approaches to research in education, such as self-study, autoethnography, currere, life writing, artistic practices, writing the self, and memory-work. Exploration of various forms of writing, representation, analysis and critical discussion

See course page for more information

EDEC 612Digital Media and Learning.3

Digital Media and Learning.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

This course addresses emerging theories, pedagogies, and practices related to youth learning through digital media and online participatory cultures. Through direct engagement with multiple forms of digital media and youth, students will consider implications for teaching and learning within and beyond schools.

See course page for more information

EDEC 620Meanings of Literacy.3

Meanings of Literacy.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Investigation of basic issues related to definitions of literacy. Issues include new directions in literacy and education, the need for non-print literacies in contemporary life, and the challenges these changes present for educators.

See course page for more information

EDEC 628Literacy - Multilingual/Multicultural Settings.3

Literacy - Multilingual/Multicultural Settings.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

This course examines the teaching of literacy in a range of multilingual and multicultural settings in schooling and society, primarily from the sociocultural perspectives of self and group identity as well as empowerment within majority-minority group relations.

See course page for more information

EDEC 635Research Writing.3

Research Writing.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The course offers a research-led introduction to processes and practices of research writing. Working to develop their research writing projects, students learn to examine, critically reflect on, and participate in the research writing practices in their fields, guided by current research on the discursive construction of knowledge.

See course page for more information

EDEC 648Historical Knowledge and Social Change.3

Historical Knowledge and Social Change.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

This course provides a deep understanding of how individuals and societies use history for purposes of giving meaning and acting in social reality. The emphasis is on the workings of historical consciousness for addressing educational and other societal issues of concern. Special attention will be given to exploring how history can be used for fostering positive changes for the betterment of society. The aim is to exercise participants' own historical sense making processes and to help locate their social posture to serve as a springboard for making a difference as future practitioners for improving the quality of a common future life.

See course page for more information

EDEC 650Critical Race Studies and Education .3

Critical Race Studies and Education .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Investigates the relationships among race, racialization, and education. Defines education as the processes through which we claim identities, make knowledge claims, and how we learn to take action in the world. Concerned with 1) how we come to know and produce knowledge through race, 2) the pedagogical processes that normalize racial inequity; and 3) the impact of racializing knowledge and structures for variously racialized persons in educational settings. Surveys a range of intersectional critical race theoretical frameworks particularly in Canada. Relevant for developing a critically-engaged educational practice, for whom race, racialization, and social justice are central concerns.

See course page for more information

EDEM 637Managing Educational Change.3

Managing Educational Change.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Explores conceptual approaches to managing school improvement and organizational change with applications such as conflict management, action planning, coaching, shared vision-building and problem solving. Uses relevant case studies to bring theory into practice.

See course page for more information

EDEM 644Curriculum Development and Implementation.3

Curriculum Development and Implementation.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Explores and critiques the processes of curriculum development, implementation and evaluation in relation to the field of curriculum studies. The focus will be on the role of the educator/leader as a curriculum professional in formal and non-formal learning environments.

See course page for more information

EDEM 646Planning and Evaluation.3

Planning and Evaluation.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Focuses on contemporary approaches to planning, monitoring and evaluating programs across a range of contexts (K-graduation, college, non-governmental organization, adult education centre). Areas of study include adaptive and strategic management, results-based management, log frame analysis, systems assessment, stakeholder analysis, and fourth generation evaluation.

See course page for more information

EDEM 655Indigenous Research Methodologies.3

Indigenous Research Methodologies.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Explores theoretical and methodological foundations of Indigenous research. Pays special attention to research positionality as seen through the lenses of settler colonialism and Indigeneity. Highlights importance of Indigenous-led research and decolonizing methodologies. Considers various dimensions of Indigenous research including relationality, responsibility, respect, and reflexivity. Examines the process of decolonizing research by centering Indigenous knowledges, languages, cultures, histories, and identities.

See course page for more information

EDEM 660Community Relations in Education.3

Community Relations in Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Examines the role of school community relations to foster high quality learning environments. Explores and discusses methods for encouraging public involvement in education, the role of the leader in facilitating community engagement, and issues and dilemmas in community relations.

See course page for more information

EDEM 679Special Topics 3 in Educational Leadership.3

Special Topics 3 in Educational Leadership.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Selected topics in educational leadership.

See course page for more information

EDEM 688Critical and Participatory Research Methods .3

Critical and Participatory Research Methods .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Exploration of several critical and participatory research methodologies (such as Black radical, feminist and activist ethnography) to understand their implications for study methods (framing research questions, data collection and analysis).

See course page for more information

EDER 600Globalization, Education and Change.3

Globalization, Education and Change.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The impact of globalization on educational institutions, processes and practices. Topics may include the politics of change, teachers' work, educational reform, technology, environment, educational management and leadership.

See course page for more information

EDER 607Ethics and Values in Education.3

Ethics and Values in Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Considers education as a concept and practice influenced by values (ethical, religious, aesthetic, cultural, political, etc.). Includes a critical examination of selected approaches to values education.

See course page for more information

EDER 608Educational Implications of Social Theory.3

Educational Implications of Social Theory.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An analysis of some of the educational implications of various social and political theories: liberalism, Marxism and others.

See course page for more information

EDER 609Education and Philosophical Thought.3

Education and Philosophical Thought.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An analysis of the educational implications of various philosophical positions concerning the nature of reality and the nature of knowledge.

See course page for more information

EDER 614Sociology of Education.3

Sociology of Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Social context of schooling, including education and social stratification and socialization processes within and outside schools.

See course page for more information

EDER 615Introduction to Philosophy of Education.3

Introduction to Philosophy of Education.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Explores questions, aims, debates and modes of inquiry that characterize philosophical approaches to studying educational questions. Introduces philosophy of education as a distinctive field of educational research and may focus on figures or themes of contemporary interest.

See course page for more information

EDER 622Studies in Comparative Education.3

Studies in Comparative Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Comparative study of the economic, political and social aspects of education systems.

See course page for more information

EDER 639Education and Development.3

Education and Development.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theories of development and the contribution of education to political, economic and social change.

See course page for more information

EDER 649Education: Multicultural Societies.3

Education: Multicultural Societies.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Majority-minority relations and their implications for educational policy and practice.

See course page for more information

Elective Courses (9 credits)

9 credits of courses at the 500, 600, or 700 level are selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Director or Coordinator and may include complementary courses listed above. Up to 6 of the elective credits may include the following courses:

Expand allContract all Course List
Course Title Credits
WCOM 642Cornerstones of Academic Writing. 1

Cornerstones of Academic Writing.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Key strategies for scholarly communication across disciplines: reading scholarly texts for structure; applying these structures in writing assignments. Four cornerstones of academic writing: audience, purpose, organization, and style. Identifying and targeting audiences, clarifying the purposes served by different writing projects, organizing ideas, and developing mastery of rhetorical and stylistic conventions.

See course page for more information

WCOM 645ESL: Fundamentals of Academic Writing .1

ESL: Fundamentals of Academic Writing .

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Key strategies for academic writing across disciplines: reading scholarly texts for structure; applying these structures in writing assignments; developing vocabulary building strategies; identifying and practicing nuances of scholarly English syntax. Self-editing techniques to avoid common English-as-Second-Language (ESL) errors; review of English grammar and mechanics.

See course page for more information

WCOM 661Literature Review 1: Summary and Critique.1

Literature Review 1: Summary and Critique.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Responsible and effective engagement with other scholars’ work in order to summarize and critique research literature. Focus on economic use of language and techniques for mobilizing existing scholarship in service of an original research project.

See course page for more information

WCOM 662Literature Review 2: Establishing Scholarly Niches.1

Literature Review 2: Establishing Scholarly Niches.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Situating original student research in existing scholarship through analysis of literature in a discipline; application of techniques for framing contributions.

See course page for more information

Exceptionally, one 3-credit undergraduate language course, at any level, in a language not formally studied previously may be taken as an elective.

 

Graduate Supervision
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Application Deadlines
Complete applications must be received by the date indicated below.
  • Fall Admission: January 1

Master of Arts Second Language Education (Project)

 

Full Program Details from the Course Catalogue

Second Language Education (Non-Thesis) (M.A.): Project (45 credits)

Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)    
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45

Program Description

The M.A. in Second Language Education; Non-Thesis - Project consists of coursework and individualized projects. The program provides an overview of second language acquisition theory, research and research methods, including quantitative and qualitative approaches. It covers a wide range of current topics in applied linguistics and offers opportunities to specialize in educational sociolinguistics, curricular/methods and program planning (e.g., content based language teaching, immersion), language policy and planning, and critical applied linguistics.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Required Courses (12 credits)

Expand allContract all Course List
Course Title Credits
EDEM 690Research Methods: Theory and Practice.3

Research Methods: Theory and Practice.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Overview of the epistemological foundations of a range of research methods, including but not limited to quantitative, philosophical, qualitative, arts-based, and mixed methods. Students will learn techniques to conduct research and to develop a research proposal.

See course page for more information

EDPE 575Statistics for Practitioners.3

Statistics for Practitioners.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Understanding and interpreting basic statistical procedures used in basic and applied research, including graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, hypothesis testing, and correlations, t-tests, and basic ANOVA designs.

See course page for more information

EDSL 623Second Language Learning.3

Second Language Learning.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Seminar in second language acquisition theory and research and their relevance to teaching a second language.

See course page for more information

EDSL 627Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research.3

Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Seminar in second language classroom-centred research focusing on instructional procedures and practices in relationship to learning outcomes.

See course page for more information

Research Project (12 credits)

Expand allContract all Course List
Course Title Credits
EDSL 695Project 1.6

Project 1.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theoretical or practical supervised project to explore and analyze an area of interest relevant to second/additional/plurilingual language education and research.

See course page for more information

EDSL 696Project 2.6

Project 2.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theoretical or practical supervised project to explore and analyze an area of interest relevant to second/additional/plurilingual language education and research.

See course page for more information

Complementary Courses (15 credits)

9-12 credits chosen from the following courses:

Expand allContract all Course List
Course Title Credits
EDEC 630Ethnographic Approaches to Research .3

Ethnographic Approaches to Research .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Ethnography as a qualitative research approach that allows researchers to conduct in-depth studies of complex social and cultural practices. Hands-on experience in ethnographic field work and practice ethnographic research methods are offered. Focus on history and application of a range of ethnographic approaches including traditional, critical, visual, activist, institutional, and collaborative ethnography.

See course page for more information

EDSL 601Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 1.3

Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 1.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Applications of current theories and models of second language development and their implications for teaching all language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), including lesson planning, materials selection and development, activities and assessment in various formal and community second language education settings. Principles and methods for formative and summative assessment.

See course page for more information

EDSL 602Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 2.3

Methods and Curriculum in Second Language Teaching 2.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Continuation of topics covered in EDSL 601 with further applications. Exploration of the kinds of information needed to make educational decisions in second language courses, different techniques for collecting that information, and ways for interpreting it.

See course page for more information

EDSL 617Special Topics in Second Language Education.3

Special Topics in Second Language Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

In-depth study of current topics in Second Language Education. (Content varies from year to year.)

See course page for more information

EDSL 620Social Justice Issues in Second Language Education.3

Social Justice Issues in Second Language Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An examination of social identity, non-dominant languages, and power relations among speakers, and their impact on the nature of second/additional language teaching, learning and use, from the perspective of critical applied linguistics. Topics range from the micro level of the individual to the macro level of language planning and policy-making.

See course page for more information

EDSL 624Educational Sociolinguistics.3

Educational Sociolinguistics.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Seminar in the social, cultural and political dimensions of English second language learning and teaching.

See course page for more information

EDSL 628Plurilingualism&Translanguaging in Education and Research .3

PlurilingualismTranslanguaging in Education and Research .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Dynamic vision of language and the repertoire of users of two or more languages, including recent theories of translingualism, translanguaging, and plurilingualism. Examination of research and pedagogical implementation of these theories in diverse languages, classrooms and contexts.

See course page for more information

EDSL 631Second Language Curriculum.3

Second Language Curriculum.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Research, theory and practice in curriculum development and teaching in second language education within contemporary frameworks.

See course page for more information

EDSL 632Second Language Literacy Development.3

Second Language Literacy Development.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theory and research related to the teaching and learning of second language literacy. The orientation is on reading and writing as a socio-cognitive activity.

See course page for more information

EDSL 640Language Awareness: Theory and Practice.3

Language Awareness: Theory and Practice.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Explores the concept of language awareness-learners’ and teachers’ explicit knowledge about and conscious perception of language in relation to its learning, teaching, and use. Will further outline possibilities for promoting learners’ language awareness in the L2 classroom.

See course page for more information

EDSL 651Content-Based L2 Learning.3

Content-Based L2 Learning.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theoretical research underpinnings of learning a second language through content-based approaches and analysis of empirical studies undertaken in a wide range of immersion and other content-based L2 classrooms.

See course page for more information

3-6 credits selected from the following:

Expand allContract all Course List
Course Title Credits
EDEC 604Literacy and Learning Across Curriculum.3

Literacy and Learning Across Curriculum.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Examination of the central role of language in learning across the curriculum: the processes by which pupils acquire information and understanding and the ways in which teaching must take account of these processes: learning through talk, learning by writing, learning from text.

See course page for more information

EDEC 606Self-Study, Autoethnography, and Autobiographical Research .3

Self-Study, Autoethnography, and Autobiographical Research .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Critical and ethical engagement with the relationship between self and other through various auto/biographical approaches to research in education, such as self-study, autoethnography, currere, life writing, artistic practices, writing the self, and memory-work. Exploration of various forms of writing, representation, analysis and critical discussion

See course page for more information

EDEC 612Digital Media and Learning.3

Digital Media and Learning.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

This course addresses emerging theories, pedagogies, and practices related to youth learning through digital media and online participatory cultures. Through direct engagement with multiple forms of digital media and youth, students will consider implications for teaching and learning within and beyond schools.

See course page for more information

EDEC 620Meanings of Literacy.3

Meanings of Literacy.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Investigation of basic issues related to definitions of literacy. Issues include new directions in literacy and education, the need for non-print literacies in contemporary life, and the challenges these changes present for educators.

See course page for more information

EDEC 628Literacy - Multilingual/Multicultural Settings.3

Literacy - Multilingual/Multicultural Settings.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

This course examines the teaching of literacy in a range of multilingual and multicultural settings in schooling and society, primarily from the sociocultural perspectives of self and group identity as well as empowerment within majority-minority group relations.

See course page for more information

EDEC 635Research Writing.3

Research Writing.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The course offers a research-led introduction to processes and practices of research writing. Working to develop their research writing projects, students learn to examine, critically reflect on, and participate in the research writing practices in their fields, guided by current research on the discursive construction of knowledge.

See course page for more information

EDEC 648Historical Knowledge and Social Change.3

Historical Knowledge and Social Change.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

This course provides a deep understanding of how individuals and societies use history for purposes of giving meaning and acting in social reality. The emphasis is on the workings of historical consciousness for addressing educational and other societal issues of concern. Special attention will be given to exploring how history can be used for fostering positive changes for the betterment of society. The aim is to exercise participants' own historical sense making processes and to help locate their social posture to serve as a springboard for making a difference as future practitioners for improving the quality of a common future life.

See course page for more information

EDEM 609Critical Perspectives in Educational Theory and Research.3

Critical Perspectives in Educational Theory and Research.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Critical exploration of contemporary issues in educational theory and research, in terms of current scholarship in the field, current educational contexts, and various research paradigms. Educational issues as expressions of social, ethical, political, economic, epistemological and cultural reconfigurations. Students will learn to be critical consumers of educational theories and research.

See course page for more information

EDEM 637Managing Educational Change.3

Managing Educational Change.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Explores conceptual approaches to managing school improvement and organizational change with applications such as conflict management, action planning, coaching, shared vision-building and problem solving. Uses relevant case studies to bring theory into practice.

See course page for more information

EDEM 644Curriculum Development and Implementation.3

Curriculum Development and Implementation.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Explores and critiques the processes of curriculum development, implementation and evaluation in relation to the field of curriculum studies. The focus will be on the role of the educator/leader as a curriculum professional in formal and non-formal learning environments.

See course page for more information

EDEM 646Planning and Evaluation.3

Planning and Evaluation.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Focuses on contemporary approaches to planning, monitoring and evaluating programs across a range of contexts (K-graduation, college, non-governmental organization, adult education centre). Areas of study include adaptive and strategic management, results-based management, log frame analysis, systems assessment, stakeholder analysis, and fourth generation evaluation.

See course page for more information

EDEM 660Community Relations in Education.3

Community Relations in Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Examines the role of school community relations to foster high quality learning environments. Explores and discusses methods for encouraging public involvement in education, the role of the leader in facilitating community engagement, and issues and dilemmas in community relations.

See course page for more information

EDER 600Globalization, Education and Change.3

Globalization, Education and Change.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The impact of globalization on educational institutions, processes and practices. Topics may include the politics of change, teachers' work, educational reform, technology, environment, educational management and leadership.

See course page for more information

EDER 607Ethics and Values in Education.3

Ethics and Values in Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Considers education as a concept and practice influenced by values (ethical, religious, aesthetic, cultural, political, etc.). Includes a critical examination of selected approaches to values education.

See course page for more information

EDER 608Educational Implications of Social Theory.3

Educational Implications of Social Theory.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An analysis of some of the educational implications of various social and political theories: liberalism, Marxism and others.

See course page for more information

EDER 609Education and Philosophical Thought.3

Education and Philosophical Thought.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An analysis of the educational implications of various philosophical positions concerning the nature of reality and the nature of knowledge.

See course page for more information

EDER 614Sociology of Education.3

Sociology of Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Social context of schooling, including education and social stratification and socialization processes within and outside schools.

See course page for more information

EDER 615Introduction to Philosophy of Education.3

Introduction to Philosophy of Education.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Explores questions, aims, debates and modes of inquiry that characterize philosophical approaches to studying educational questions. Introduces philosophy of education as a distinctive field of educational research and may focus on figures or themes of contemporary interest.

See course page for more information

EDER 622Studies in Comparative Education.3

Studies in Comparative Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Comparative study of the economic, political and social aspects of education systems.

See course page for more information

EDER 639Education and Development.3

Education and Development.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theories of development and the contribution of education to political, economic and social change.

See course page for more information

EDER 643Women, Education and Development.3

Women, Education and Development.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

This course will trace the major theoretical developments in women and development and relate them to educational issues in the formal, non-formal and informal settings. There will be an emphasis on the significance and policy implications of women's education for sustainable developments in the countries of the South.

See course page for more information

EDER 649Education: Multicultural Societies.3

Education: Multicultural Societies.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Majority-minority relations and their implications for educational policy and practice.

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Elective Courses (6 credits)

6 credits of courses at the 500, 600, or 700 level are chosen in consultation with the Graduate Program Director or Coordinator, may include complementary courses listed above, and may include some of the following courses:

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Course Title Credits
WCOM 642Cornerstones of Academic Writing. 1

Cornerstones of Academic Writing.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Key strategies for scholarly communication across disciplines: reading scholarly texts for structure; applying these structures in writing assignments. Four cornerstones of academic writing: audience, purpose, organization, and style. Identifying and targeting audiences, clarifying the purposes served by different writing projects, organizing ideas, and developing mastery of rhetorical and stylistic conventions.

See course page for more information

WCOM 645ESL: Fundamentals of Academic Writing .1

ESL: Fundamentals of Academic Writing .

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Key strategies for academic writing across disciplines: reading scholarly texts for structure; applying these structures in writing assignments; developing vocabulary building strategies; identifying and practicing nuances of scholarly English syntax. Self-editing techniques to avoid common English-as-Second-Language (ESL) errors; review of English grammar and mechanics.

See course page for more information

WCOM 661Literature Review 1: Summary and Critique.1

Literature Review 1: Summary and Critique.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Responsible and effective engagement with other scholars’ work in order to summarize and critique research literature. Focus on economic use of language and techniques for mobilizing existing scholarship in service of an original research project.

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WCOM 662Literature Review 2: Establishing Scholarly Niches.1

Literature Review 2: Establishing Scholarly Niches.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Situating original student research in existing scholarship through analysis of literature in a discipline; application of techniques for framing contributions.

See course page for more information

Exceptionally, one 3-credit undergraduate language course, at any level, in a language not formally studied previously may be taken as an elective.

 

Graduate Supervision
Click the button below to reveal a list of potential supervisors.
(Note that individual supervisors may list further details, such as when they are taking new students and application instructions in the Graduate Supervision section at the bottom of their individual profile pages.)

 

 

 

Application Deadlines
Complete applications must be received by the date indicated below.
  • Fall Admission: January 1

Master of Arts Second Language Education (Thesis)

 

Full Program Details from the Course Catalogue

Second Language Education (Thesis) (M.A.) (45 credits)

Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)   
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45

Program Description

The M.A. in Second Language Education consists of a 45-credit thesis or non-thesis program. It provides an overview of the state of the art in second language acquisition, assessment and evaluation, and research methods, including quantitative and qualitative approaches. The program covers a wide range of current topics in applied linguistics and offers opportunities to specialize in educational sociolinguistics, curricular/methods and program planning areas (for example, content-based second language teaching or “immersion”), language testing, language policy and planning, and critical applied linguistics. Graduates may go on to doctoral work in applied linguistics. They may also seek employment at ministry, school board, or other sites of active research on second languages. Many graduates also continue active careers in school contexts as second language teaching practitioners, program administrators or evaluators.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Thesis Courses (24 credits)

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Course Title Credits
EDSL 666Thesis Research 1.6

Thesis Research 1.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Submission of a thesis proposal.

See course page for more information

EDSL 667Thesis Research 2.6

Thesis Research 2.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Presentation of thesis proposal.

See course page for more information

EDSL 668Thesis Research 3.6

Thesis Research 3.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Master's thesis.

See course page for more information

EDSL 669Thesis Research 4.6

Thesis Research 4.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Master's thesis.

See course page for more information

Required Courses (12 credits)

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Course Title Credits
EDEM 690Research Methods: Theory and Practice.3

Research Methods: Theory and Practice.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Overview of the epistemological foundations of a range of research methods, including but not limited to quantitative, philosophical, qualitative, arts-based, and mixed methods. Students will learn techniques to conduct research and to develop a research proposal.

See course page for more information

EDPE 575Statistics for Practitioners.3

Statistics for Practitioners.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Understanding and interpreting basic statistical procedures used in basic and applied research, including graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, hypothesis testing, and correlations, t-tests, and basic ANOVA designs.

See course page for more information

EDSL 623Second Language Learning.3

Second Language Learning.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Seminar in second language acquisition theory and research and their relevance to teaching a second language.

See course page for more information

EDSL 627Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research.3

Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Seminar in second language classroom-centred research focusing on instructional procedures and practices in relationship to learning outcomes.

See course page for more information

Complementary Courses (6 credits)

6 credits selected from the following courses:

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Course Title Credits
EDEC 630Ethnographic Approaches to Research .3

Ethnographic Approaches to Research .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Ethnography as a qualitative research approach that allows researchers to conduct in-depth studies of complex social and cultural practices. Hands-on experience in ethnographic field work and practice ethnographic research methods are offered. Focus on history and application of a range of ethnographic approaches including traditional, critical, visual, activist, institutional, and collaborative ethnography.

See course page for more information

EDEM 609Critical Perspectives in Educational Theory and Research.3

Critical Perspectives in Educational Theory and Research.

Terms offered: Summer 2025

Critical exploration of contemporary issues in educational theory and research, in terms of current scholarship in the field, current educational contexts, and various research paradigms. Educational issues as expressions of social, ethical, political, economic, epistemological and cultural reconfigurations. Students will learn to be critical consumers of educational theories and research.

See course page for more information

EDSL 617Special Topics in Second Language Education.3

Special Topics in Second Language Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

In-depth study of current topics in Second Language Education. (Content varies from year to year.)

See course page for more information

EDSL 620Social Justice Issues in Second Language Education.3

Social Justice Issues in Second Language Education.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An examination of social identity, non-dominant languages, and power relations among speakers, and their impact on the nature of second/additional language teaching, learning and use, from the perspective of critical applied linguistics. Topics range from the micro level of the individual to the macro level of language planning and policy-making.

See course page for more information

EDSL 624Educational Sociolinguistics.3

Educational Sociolinguistics.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Seminar in the social, cultural and political dimensions of English second language learning and teaching.

See course page for more information

EDSL 631Second Language Curriculum.3

Second Language Curriculum.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Research, theory and practice in curriculum development and teaching in second language education within contemporary frameworks.

See course page for more information

EDSL 632Second Language Literacy Development.3

Second Language Literacy Development.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theory and research related to the teaching and learning of second language literacy. The orientation is on reading and writing as a socio-cognitive activity.

See course page for more information

EDSL 640Language Awareness: Theory and Practice.3

Language Awareness: Theory and Practice.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Explores the concept of language awareness-learners’ and teachers’ explicit knowledge about and conscious perception of language in relation to its learning, teaching, and use. Will further outline possibilities for promoting learners’ language awareness in the L2 classroom.

See course page for more information

EDSL 651Content-Based L2 Learning.3

Content-Based L2 Learning.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Theoretical research underpinnings of learning a second language through content-based approaches and analysis of empirical studies undertaken in a wide range of immersion and other content-based L2 classrooms.

See course page for more information

Elective Course (3 credits)

3 credits at the 500, 600, or 700 level chosen in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.

 

Graduate Supervision
Click the button below to reveal a list of potential supervisors.
(Note that individual supervisors may list further details, such as when they are taking new students and application instructions in the Graduate Supervision section at the bottom of their individual profile pages.)

 

 

 

Application Deadlines
Complete applications must be received by the date indicated below.
  • Fall Admission: January 1

 

Have questions?

grad.dise [at] mcgill.ca (Contact a Student Affairs Coordinator)
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