CORE COURSES

Teaching the Language System (TE 601)

This course introduces language analysis and the teaching of the language system. It explores key aspects of English, with emphasis on features of phonology, lexis, grammar and discourse that are of particular relevance to the language teacher. Contemporary approaches to teaching pronunciation, vocabulary, sentence grammar and discourse are considered, with students evaluating and preparing units of instruction designed to develop learners’ understanding and control of these areas of language.

Teaching Language Skills (TE 602)

This course considers the theoretical background to, and practical implementation of, current approaches to the teaching of the receptive skills (listening and reading) and the productive skills (speaking and writing). The focus is on the design of instructional units that allow for an integrated development of skills.

Language Acquisition and Learning (TE 603)

This course is concerned with how a language is learned – in infancy, childhood, or later. Through a range of practical investigations students explore psychological, social and linguistic aspects of naturalistic language development and instructed language study, together with their implications for language teaching and the management of language learning.

Curriculum Development (TE 604)

This courses focuses on the role of the teacher in curriculum planning and development, with an emphasis on the process of researching and designing a unit of learning. Students conduct a needs analysis, create effective learning objectives and assessment strategies as well as craft a series of related lesson plans that comprise a teaching unit. Attention is given to the selection and application of teaching methodologies and materials in curriculum design.

Research Methods (TE 701)

This course gives training in the effective use of published research, and in the design and implementation of original quantitative and qualitative investigations into language learning and teaching. It covers the use of documentary resources in the scientific and professional domains; the formulation and motivation of research questions; language elicitation; data collection, analysis and interpretation; classroom observation and ethnography; and research report writing.

Evaluation and Assessment (TE 702)

This course addresses the evaluation of learning and teaching, and the assessment of learners’ achievement and proficiency. It examines goals, methods, techniques and tools for evaluation, and criteria, norms and objectives in assessment. It explores the roles of description and measurement in qualitative and quantitative assessment, and rationales for selecting methods of testing and evaluation. In practical assignments students design evaluations and construct a range of assessment instruments.

Classroom Inquiry (TE 703; prerequisites: TE 601, TE 602, TE 603)

This course requires students to conduct an investigation that involves classroom teaching and / or observation of language classrooms. Reflection on the experience will lead to the production of a report that relates theoretical considerations to classroom practice.

Seminar in TESOL (TE 704)

This is a course of directed and independent study on current topics in language learning and teaching and applied linguistics, leading to a literature report and class seminar.

ELECTIVE COURSES

English for Specific Purposes (TE 801)

This course is a study of the application of the ESP approach to designing and delivering courses of English for academic and occupational purposes. The course will cover aspects of course design (theoretical views of language and learning, needs analysis and syllabus options), and delivery (ESP materials evaluation and design, methodology and evaluation). Consideration will also be given to the role of the ESP teacher as content specialist or as non-specialist.

New Language Experience (TE 802)

This course gives students an experience of a beginner’s course in a language other than English participating as a learner. Through the keeping of logs and feedback sessions students reflect on the pedagogical issues arising from this new language experience, and explore how the insights gained from this influence their understanding of the teaching of English.

English as a Global Language (TE 803)

This course examines the changing status and role of English throughout the world, addressing the questions: Is it possible to speak of a ‘World English’ or should we distinguish various ‘englishes’ that continue to be regionally and socially distinct? In a particular educational context what norms can be taken to define ‘good’ or ‘correct’ English? Can the continuing spread of English as a second or auxiliary language complement - or does it threaten - local languages and cultural identities?

Young Learners (TE 804)

This course considers the characteristic features of young language learners and the implications of these for language teaching. The course examines priorities in teaching young learners, issues in using and supplementing coursebooks, integration of language teaching with teaching of other subjects and appropriate assessment. Attention is given to practical activities and techniques that promote language learning.

Materials Evaluation and Design (TE 805)

This course explores options in the evaluation, analysis, adaptation and design of language teaching materials. Development of both text-based and task-based materials is addressed, and consideration given to graphic design.

Management in Language Education (TE 806)

This course examines the issues involved in managing language teaching institutions. From considering the aims and objectives of the organization, the course moves on to explore the challenges of managing its human and material resources. Attention is also given to the marketing and promotion of language schools. Classroom learning involves case studies and is supplemented by visits to local language schools.

Professional Development (TE 807)

This course provides teachers with the framework for further developing their skills, abilities and sense of self as a teaching professional. Emphasis is placed on reflection, management and planning of the individual's teaching career. The course will address ways in which the teacher can continuously develop new skills and strategies, while evolving existing ones in order to be the best and happiest teacher they can be.

Multimedia in Language Education (TE 808)

This course investigates the rapidly changing field of advanced technology and innovations in language teaching tools such as audio/visual media, contemporary computer software and satellite communication. The focus of the course is on the development of skills in using multimedia in the classroom.

Analysis of Classroom Discourse (TE 809)

This course addresses a crucial fact of the language classroom: while the subject matter and learning goal is a language, language (often the same language) is also the principal medium of instruction and study. To gain insight into the communication breakdowns that often result, the complex discourse of the language classroom is analyzed as an interplay of systems: linguistic, interactional, pedagogical, institutional and cultural.

Discourse Analysis in Language Education (TE 810)

This course serves as an introduction to discourse analysis and its relevance to language teaching. The course considers how discourse can be analyzed and how a view of language as discourse influences the teacher's understanding of choices in grammar, phonology and vocabulary. Attention is given to analysis of both spoken and written discourse and the implications for language teaching methods and materials.

Phonology and Pronunciation (TE 811)

This course investigates the development of learners’ pronunciation as a function of the sound structure of English, the mechanisms of speech perception and production, and the constraints imposed by the mother-tongue. The implications for systematic pronunciation teaching, as well as learner self-help strategies, are explored.

Language in Literature (TE 812)

This course considers how literature can be used as material in the TESOL classroom. The course focuses on English language novels, plays, poems and non-fiction, with attention to critical analysis and creative expression of meaning in reading.

Drama (TE 813)

This course explores the use of different forms of drama in the TESOL classroom. The focus is on the integration of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills through the writing, directing and performance of an original play. Attention is given to the value of drama as a cooperative learning experience and a student community-building activity.

PROJECT/THESIS

Project (TE 910)

Independent work in an area related to language learning or teaching carried out with the guidance of a supervising instructor. The project may be practical in orientation, but must be motivated by a rationale and written up with reflection. The project results in a written report presented before a departmental examination committee.

Thesis (TE 920)

An extended independent study of a theoretical or practical topic relating to language teaching and learning, carried out under the guidance of a supervising instructor. The study is reported in written form and presented before an examination committee.