Applied Linguistics

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Program Overview

Linguistics focuses on the study of language, including the diversity, structure, use, and learning of language. This degree focuses on the development of the skills and knowledge that are foundational for linguistic work in many diverse fields. The Applied Linguistics Major equips students for entry-level translation and literacy work, cross-cultural work, and for further studies in the interdisciplinary fields related to linguistics.

Every undergraduate student pursuing a four-year degree at Johnson earns a double major – a major in Bible and Theology and a major of their choice, like Applied Linguistics. Click here to learn more about the Bible and Theology major.

Core Classes

Intercultural Studies Core

Cultural Anthropology
This course is an introduction to the social science known as cultural anthropology. Readings, films, websites, lectures, reports, and an exam provide a survey of vocabulary, concepts, and illustrations related to this branch of anthropology. Class lectures, outside reading, and films provide more in-depth case studies on the Near East Bedouin, Western Apache, and Old Order Amish, among others.

Introduction to Intercultural Studies

Intercultural Communication

This course examines the unique problems and strategies for communicating the gospel effectively in intercultural contexts. Special attention is given to the student’s personal role in intercultural communication, including language, behavior, and sensitivities needed to bridge cultural boundaries.

Strategies for Intercultural Engagement

Cross-Cultural Internship Preparation

Typically completed during the spring term, this course consists of orientation meetings, required paperwork, required reading, cultural research, application for the student’s internship and other necessary preparations for the field internship.

Cross-Cultural Internship

This internship provides on-the-job training under the supervision and guidance of an experienced missions practitioner where students are given opportunities to apply classroom instruction in cross-cultural situations. Internships enable students to gain ministry experience in their area of concentration in a cross-cultural setting. The term “cross-cultural” refers to cultural “distance,” whether geographical, theological, linguistic, or social, without regard to “foreign” or “home” distinctions. Internships test students’ aptitude for intercultural ministry, provide a laboratory for the application of classroom-learned theory, and offer exposure to life and practice on the cross-cultural field, all under the supervision and mentoring of an experienced and successful practitioner. Three-credit 10-week (minimum) internships include a minimum 300 hours of cross-cultural work, which students normally complete during the summer between their junior and senior years.

Cross-Cultural Internship Assessment

Typically this course is completed during Fall Session 1, upon successful completion of ICMI 3521 and ICMI 3522. During this course following the internship, students will successfully complete all paperwork and other debriefing requirements for their time on the field in internship. Elements such as debriefing, field reports, and supporter reports are a part of this course. Successful completion of all course components is required.

God’s Story-Our Story

Living & Leading Cross-Culturally

Area Studies Elective (choose one)

Race & Ethnicity in the American Experience

This course examines the complex issue of ethnicity and race in America from a cultural, historical, and social justice perspective. Students gain a framework for understanding and identifying ethnic and racial issues and are equipped to live justly within their chosen professional fields.

Peoples & Cultures of the Middle East

This course examines the ethnic groups and cultures of the modern Middle East and North Africa (MENA). While it focuses on the map as it appears today, the course also surveys essential historical background. By necessity, the study considers the relationship between this region’s modern boundaries and its traditional ethnic identities. In this process, the course highlights the MENA’s rich cultures and diverse people groups.

Dynamics of World Religions

Urban Anthropology

This course focuses on contemporary issues salient to selected people and groups in the city (such as, but not necessarily including, African-American, Hispanic-American, drug culture, the homeless), and—as appropriate—historical background (including migration patterns). The course also relates these issues and people groups to the Missio Dei, or Mission of God. Topics vary by term.

Applied Linguistics Core

Introduction to Linguistics
This course introduces the process of language analysis with the goal of enhancing the student’s ability to learn language. Students gain a framework for understanding and identifying the sound systems and grammatical structures of different languages.

Second Language & Culture Acquisition
This course introduces students to the process of language and cultural acquisition among people served on the field. An array of tools and practices are introduced.

Phonetics & Phonology
Phonetics and Phonology focuses on understanding the use of sound in human language. This includes a general understanding of description, production, and transcription of sounds based upon the International Phonetic Alphabet, as well as the identification of phonemes and phonological processes within specific languages.

Grammatical Analysis
This course provides tools for the analysis of language on morphological and syntactic levels.

Sociolinguistics
This course offers a view of language as a context-dependent social phenomenon. Students examine how cultural attitudes, expectations, behaviors, and contexts affect the use of language. With a particular emphasis on multilingual communities, this course introduces foundational principles for sociolinguistic survey.

Careers

There are many careers available for students who graduate with an Applied Linguistics degree! Here are just a few for you to explore:

Translation/Interpretation
Writing/Editing
Lexicography
Literacy
Speech Recognition
Artificial Intelligence
ESL Education

Some students also go on to study at the graduate level. A degree in Linguistics can prepare you for graduate work in psychology, anthropology, the study of specific languages, education, speech pathology, and communication.

Online

Study Linguistics online at Johnson University! Linguistics focuses on the study of language and all its aspects, including the diversity of language, its structure, how people learn language, and how they use it to communicate. This degree focuses on the development of the skills and knowledge that are foundational for work in many diverse areas. The Applied Linguistics online major equips students for entry-level translation and literacy work, cross-cultural work, and for further studies in the interdisciplinary fields related to linguistics.

Encountering Cultures

This course examines the importance of culture and worldview in an increasingly multicultural world, and will give special attention to “reading” their city in preparation for service. It explores cultural diversity and the necessary skills for identifying the traits of different cultures (including the student’s own) in order to equip them to effectively interact with people of other cultures as they seek to fulfill the Great Commission and do their part to extend the kingdom of God among all nations.

Practical Anthropology

Introduction to Linguistics

Second Language & Culture Acquisition

Phonetics & Phonology

Grammatical Analysis

Sociolinguistics

Missiology

This course presents a comprehensive and dynamic view of the mandate for Christian missionary activity. Students are challenged to a growing awareness that world evangelism is four dimensional: biblical, historical, cultural and strategic. A special emphasis is given to issues revolving around cultural and cross-cultural communication, along with how sensitivity in these areas can help further realize God’s global purpose.

Intercultural Communication

Foundations of Working Cross-Culturally

Mission Theology

Understanding the Muslim World OR Animism

Understanding the Muslim World
This course expands the student’s knowledge and understanding of Muslim culture, worldview, and practices.

Animism
This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of folk religions and animism. Special attention is given to folk religions and animistic beliefs found in the world today, cultural differences, significant barriers to the gospel, and channels for better understanding.