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ED50317: Language policy, curriculum and methodology

[Page last updated: 05 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Education
Credits: 12 [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 240
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework Task 1 (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Aims: The aims of the unit are:
* to investigate the theories which underpin different policies and methodologies of language education;
* to critically assess the ideological basis and viability of different language policies, methodologies and syllabuses;
* to consider the influences of the social and cultural context upon language teaching;
* to consider issues relating to the globalisation and localisation of language policy, methodology and curriculum.

Learning Outcomes: After successfully completing this unit students will be able to:
* demonstrate a critical understanding of theories related to different types of methodology and syllabus for international language education;
* critically evaluate different types of international language teaching curricula;
* develop language teaching materials and methodologies which are appropriate to the needs of students in specific real-world contexts;
* show awareness of the processes of international language curriculum development;
* link theory and practice in the context of international language education.

Skills: Self-directed learning (F)
Problem analysis, research and reflection (T/F/A)
Independent working (F)
Problem-solving (F/A)
Written communication (A)
Key Skills
1. Make critical use of the literature of the field of Education (T/F/A).
2. Make critical use of professional experience in the field of Education (T/F/A).
3. Analyse, interpret and critique findings and arguments (T/F/A).
4. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems (T/F).
5. Evaluate research and variety of types of information and evidence critically, also making informed judgements in the absence of complete data (T/F/A)
6. Contribute to professional debate in the field of education (F).
7. Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level (F).
8. Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences (T/F).
9. Evaluate their own academic and professional performance (T/F/A).
10. Manage change effectively and respond to changing demands (F).
11. Manage time, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress (F).
12. Develop new or higher level skill, for example in information technology (T/F/A).

Content: To achieve the aims stated above, students will be supported in learning how critically to engage with relevant literature and to use it to inform the evaluatory analysis of their own experience of language learning. It is anticipated that topics will include:
* The policy and politics of TESOL.
* Methods and post-methods in language teaching.
* English Medium Instruction (EMI) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).
* Curriculum and syllabus design for international language teaching.
* Materials evaluation and development for international language teaching.
* Language teaching materials as cultural artefacts.
* Language programme evaluation.
* Developing context appropriate methodologies for international language teaching.

Programme availability:

ED50317 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Education
  • THED-AFM27 : MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.