However, the course is designed to provide the theoretical foundations upon which such practice depends if it is to develop effectively. Such foundations are essential and academic quibbles aside not negotiable. All graduates of the course take with them a grasp of certain fundamental principles without which they would not be adequately prepared to meet the challenges of applied linguistics. One of the extra demands placed on you in respect of negotiating this important relationship is that, although we issue guidelines, we do not specify assignment topics. Most people find this element of choice particularly demanding, but it is an important part of the process of developing your own distinctive view of applied linguistics.
Participants usually find two things difficult.
One is the relationship between theory and practice and the other is the way in which different elements on the course fit together . The second problem is deliberately built into this course. It is a Master s course and nothing is served up on a plate. All participants admit to problems in developing an overall picture of the way the different elements of the course fit together, and to some participants this represents a particularly stiff challenge in the early stages, but it is one which will be successfully and profitably overcome as you move along your chosen pathway. One of the things you are required to do on this course is set your own parameters, decide how things fit together in a way which you can understand and use.