Academia & Research

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Experiential learning is hands-on, active learning that lets you apply classroom theory to real-world settings. Whether you're running experiments in a research lab, practice-teaching on campus, or shadowing a professional in a clinical setting, these opportunities let you build practical skills, explore career paths, and boost your resume before you graduate.

Research Practicum (LINGUIST 3RP3)

In the Research Practicum, students join a faculty member’s lab or research team to gain hands-on experience with active projects. Depending on the lab, you might run experiments, conduct interviews, review literature, or analyze data alongside current researchers.

This course is open to students interested in gaining practical research skills. You're encouraged to start reaching out to professors whose work aligns with your interests starting in your second year to discuss available spots.

Independent Study (LING 4II3, GERMAN 4II3, ITALIAN 4II3)

IIn Independent Study courses, students carry out a one-semester research project on a specialized topic. You can choose to run a mini empirical study or dive into advanced readings on a subject you want to explore further.

LING 4II3 is open to Level 4 Linguistics or Cognitive Science students with a GPA of at least 9.0. GERMAN 4II3 and ITALIAN 4II3 are open to students in any program who have completed 2ZZ3 or an equivalent course.

Honours Thesis (LINGUIST 4Y06)

In the Honours Thesis program, students conduct a year-long original research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Thesis students present their research findings in an extended written research paper and a presentation at the Department’s Student Research Day in April.

LING 4Y06 is open to students in Level 4 of a program in Linguistics or Cognitive Science of Language, with a GPA of at least 9.0. Enrolment requires permission of both the faculty supervisor and the Department.

Speech-Language Pathologist Practicum (LINGUIST 4SL3)

In the Speech-Language Pathology Practicum, students complete at least 36 hours observing and working under a registered Speech-Language Pathologist in the Hamilton area. Placements take place in clinics, hospitals, or local schools, where you start by observing appointments and gradually take on assigned tasks to assist your supervisor.

LING 4SL3 is open to Level 4 Honours Cognitive Science of Language students with a GPA of at least 9.0. Placements require Department approval, and students will complete a Learning Portfolio documenting their placement experience

Teaching Practicum for Linguists (LINGUIST 4TP3)

In the Teaching Practicum for Linguists, students complete at least 36 hours observing and practice-teaching under the supervision of a Linguistics instructor. Placements are hosted on campus and focus on rotating topics in TESL or core Linguistics.

LING 4TP3 is open to Level 4 Linguistics or Cognitive Science students, including those completing a minor in either program. Enrolment requires permission from the Department, and students will compile a Learning Portfolio throughout the term.