Doctoral Program in English Language Education Pedagogy: Course Requirements

PhD program course requirements

In the PhD Programs in the Graduate School of Letters, there are two course requirements (ongoing over six semesters / three years). 

During the first three years of their doctoral program program, students will enroll in Specialized Studies in English Pedagogy courses with a faculty member in the department who will act as their doctoral program advisor or, if they choose, with another faculty member in the department. During this course, over six semesters / three years of their doctoral studies, students will meet regularly with their doctoral program advisor, conduct research leading to publication and international conference / symposia presentations, and refine their doctoral research proposal. Through these courses, students develop basic and extensive specialized knowledge, the ability to investigate educational issues, think logically and critically, and solve educational issues creatively, culminating in the conducting of the doctoral research and completion of their dissertation. Until the completion of the doctoral dissertation, the main guidance will be provided by the doctoral program advisor selected by each student.

In addition, students enroll in a Doctoral Research Skills Workshop during the fall semester of their first year. During this course, students will refine and focus their doctoral research proposal under the guidance of their doctoral program advisor and / or doctoral program faculty members in the Graduate School of Letters. 

Course Descriptions

Specialized Studies in English Pedagogy: Applied Linguistics and Language Education I - VI

Credit requirement: 6 semesters (3 years), 12 credits
Course description:

Researchers in the field of applied linguistics examine how a variety of contextual factors influence language and language education, with a goal of identifying and addressing challenges, and improving practice. During this course, students will examine a number of particular issues related to applied linguistics research as related to English language education and teaching pedagogy. During each semester, the topics covered and related assignments will broaden the students’ understanding of a varied range of issues in the field, and where possible, will be adapted to the specific personal study and research goals of the students enrolled in the course. Also, specific aspects of the doctoral dissertation drafting process will be addressed depending on the progress individual students have made in the doctoral program. Specifically, in initial semesters, students will focus on writing the literature review, examining theoretical frameworks, choosing appropriate methodological approaches, and submitting successful Institutional Review Board (IRB) proposals. As each student progresses through their program of study, special emphasis will be placed on how researchers develop data driven strategies to identify and develop recommendations to address challenges, and improve teaching practice and pedagogy. Also, specific aspects of the doctoral dissertation drafting process will be addressed, including collecting and analyzing data, presenting results and discussion, and drafting recommendations and educational implications.

Doctoral Research Skills Workshop

Credit requirement: 1 semester (Year 1, fall semester), 2 credits
Course description:

Researchers in the field of Education, including Applied Linguistics and English Language Education, conduct research in order to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge in the field. Researchers investigate learning in varied contexts, sociolinguistic influences, pre-service teacher education, utilization of educational technology, assessment procedures, and curriculum development in formal, informal and non-formal contexts, at all levels of educational systems. In addition to contributing to the body of academic literature, researchers strive to provide practical recommendations to improve learner achievement and access, teacher preparation, administrative efficiency and relevant pedagogy. Graduate students in doctoral programs share these goals. As emerging scholars, the focus of this course is designed to support doctoral students as they begin their professional journey. Included in this course will be activities to help graduate students further develop their critical analysis and critical inquiry skills, and understanding of the components of a doctoral dissertation (literature review, theoretical framework and methodology, etc.), culminating in the drafting of a presentation and written draft of their doctoral research proposal.

Program course of study

Year 1

April orientation for incoming doctoral students
During the orientation at the time of admission, an explanation of the courses and research requirements will be provided. Students will be guided by their doctoral program advisor regarding course registration requirements, and registration procedures during each semester.

Year 1, Semester 1

April to July
Doctoral students will enroll in the: 
Specialized Studies in English Pedagogy: Applied Linguistics and Language Education I course

Year 1, Semester 2

September to January
Doctoral students will enroll in the:
Specialized Studies in English Pedagogy: Applied Linguistics and Language Education II course, and
Doctoral Research Skills Workshop

Year 2, Semester 1

April to July
Doctoral students will enroll in the: 
Specialized Studies in English Pedagogy: Applied Linguistics and Language Education III course

Year 2, Semester 2

September to January
Doctoral students will enroll in the: 
Specialized Studies in English Pedagogy: Applied Linguistics and Language Education IV course

Year 3, Semester 1

April to July
Doctoral students will enroll in the: 
Specialized Studies in English Pedagogy: Applied Linguistics and Language Education V course

Year 3, Semester 2

September to January
Doctoral students will enroll in the: 
Specialized Studies in English Pedagogy: Applied Linguistics and Language Education VI course