Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA

The course consists of three core modules and a range of option modules. The Language and Learning: Description and Analysis core module introduces in-depth exploration of the core concepts in the description and analysis of language and language learning, with specific reference to English language teaching and second language acquisition. The Current Developments in Language Teaching core module examines a wide range of current practice and developments, including communicative competence in language learning and teaching, language teaching methodology, and discrete and integrated skills. The Dissertation is the third core module.
Modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Core modules
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN LANGUAGE TEACHING
You will examine current practice and developments in language teaching, including communicative competence in language learning. During this module you will cover a range of topical issues in language learning and teaching, including: content and language integrated learning; individual differences in language learning; language for specific purposes; learner autonomy and strategy training; methodology; neurolinguistic processing and multiple intelligences; skills lessons and real language; and teacher language and national curriculum.
DISSERTATION
This initial research-skills module will cover a range of topics, including: investigating and assessing the relevance of potential research sources; issues in research design, including identifying the field of study; planning, conducting and recording of research; the responsibility of the researcher and role of the supervisor; and writing up. The subsequent work you undertake will be conducted autonomously with supervisory support.
LANGUAGE AND LEARNING: DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS
This module introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core concepts in the description and analysis of language, with specific reference to English language teaching. The module also introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core concepts in language learning, with specific reference to second language acquisition and the implications of these concepts for the language teacher. The module is divided into two units, the first on language description and analysis, and the second on language learning.
Option modules
ANALYSING SPOKEN AND WRITTEN DISCOURSE
This module offers a range of different linguistic tools for analysing written text. Texts are analysed for lexical and grammatical cohesion, metonymy and metaphor, and register and thematic progression (Hallidayan functional grammar). Texts are also analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA). You will acquire a theoretical understanding of the main approaches to Written Discourse Analysis, and the practical skills for carrying out these analyses on real texts. You will also gain a broader awareness of how written discourse is constructed by comparing it to spoken discourse, and by discussing it in terms of more general semiotic and communication theories.
EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT IN TESOL
This module is intended for practising teachers with little or no management experience. It looks at aspects of management theory and relates these to specific ELT management contexts. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to explore the relevance of the theory to your own context. You will begin by exploring and analysing organisational structures and cultures, and their relevance to the strategic aims of any organisation. Quality, finance, marketing and human resource management will be considered from theoretical and operational perspectives. You will also explore issues around management of change and innovation. The methodology will be interactive and firmly rooted in real-life academic management contexts.
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE
You will gain a greater understanding of what is happening in cross-cultural communication, and develop your ability to do it well. In the first part of the module you will examine critically different theories of the nature of cultural difference and its impact on cross-cultural interaction. You will also explore theories of the intercultural abilities needed to manage such interaction effectively. In the second part of the module you will apply these theories to specific issues in professional contexts of potential relevance, such as language teaching.
LANGUAGES FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES
You will examine the different requirements – in terms of needs, aspirations, and appropriate modes of instruction and assessment – of different types of language learner: adults learning for leisure and pleasure; broadly based groups, such as ‘business’, ‘science and technology’; specific groups such as military personnel, diplomats or international train drivers; and undergraduates. You will examine and research developments in Languages or English for Specific Purposes, English for Academic Purposes and English/ Languages for Work.
MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT
By developing your understanding of the theory and principles of educational attainment, this module will lead you to a critical review of language course materials. You will consider the nature of learning, and analyse learners’ needs and aspirations in relation to the production of course materials. There is a strong emphasis on practical skills in this course, and you will be encouraged to produce publishable material.
SOCIOLINGUISTICS
You will critically explore concepts and issues in sociolinguistics, including: language in face-to-face interaction; language variation, choice, creation, planning, change, decline and death; languages and factors such as age, class, gender and ethnicity; multilingual communities; language and society; bilingualism and diglossia; casual and ritual interaction; conversational interaction focusing on issues such as linguistic politeness; oral narratives, and conversational routines; language socialisation; conversational code-switching; talk and gender. Throughout the module, attention will be paid to issues of methodology, and the most appropriate methods for studying each topic area.
TESTING AND ASSESSMENT
You will examine past and current developments in language testing and assessment. This includes the role of language tests in measuring achievement and communicative proficiency, whether diagnostic, prognostic, performance or achievement. You will analyse various types of test, and have the opportunity to develop new testing materials for your own purposes.
USING LITERATURE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING
The module focuses on both the use of literary texts as a resource and the use of creative writing activities in the language learning classroom, by providing a working overview of useful, relevant aspects of linguistic and literary theory, and the practical demonstration of learner activities in producing and working with literary texts in the TESOL classroom. The module aims to develop your confidence and understanding of ways in which literary texts can be explored in the TESOL classroom, and the ways in which your own creative writing can be a resource for language teaching.
Course team
Sean Sutherland, Course leader
Associated careers
The course enables you to make substantial progress as advanced English Language Teaching practitioners and managers in a variety of national, regional and cultural educational systems. You will have the training and preparation to make significant contributions as instructors, managers and researchers.
Related courses
Creative Writing: Writing the City MA
English Language and Creative Writing MA
English Language and Linguistics MA
TESOL and Creative Writing MA
Length of course
One year, full-time or two years, part-time
Location
Central London (Regent)
Additional costs information