Introduction to Language

This module introduces you to the analysis of English lexico-grammar, with some emphasis on the relevance of linguistic description to language teachers – that is, on applying methods of analysis to the teaching of grammar and vocabulary. You will be encouraged to apply knowledge gained to aspects of your own professional practice.

Syllabus and Materials Design

This module considers the problems involved in reconciling syllabus and materials design with what is known about the process of language learning and the attempts of established approaches to language syllabus design to solve such problems. The module examines a variety of approaches, including some relatively radical solutions, e.g. the establishment of a pedagogic corpus, the use of a task-based methodology, and the development of analytical exercises.

Second Language Learning and Teaching

In this module, the process of language acquisition is examined from a range of perspectives: [a] the linguistic knowledge that learners bring to the task; [b] how learners process input; [c] the kinds of input that help to maximise acquisition. A range of approaches to and methods of language teaching are introduced and critically evaluated in terms of their underlying principles and their efficacy, with some emphasis on the ‘Communicative Approach’. Specific techniques which illustrate the practical application of current theories and research findings in L2 acquisition and pedagogy are examined.

Research Methods in Applied Linguistics

This module aims to provide you with a grounding methods and approaches to research in Applied Linguistics. 

You will also choose your two optional modules from a range which may include the following:

In the spring term -

Business English
Cognitive Linguistics and Language Learning
Computer Assisted Language Learning
Corpus Approaches to Teaching Grammar
Corpus Linguistics
Discourse for Teachers
English as a Global Language
Issues and Approaches in English for Academic Purposes
Intercultural Communication
Language and Gesture
Language and New Media
Language and Politics
Language, Style and Identity
Language Teaching Observation and Practice
Psycholinguistics
Teacher Training