LSMDES-English for Specific Purposes

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: erhan.aslan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to introduce students to the history, distinguishing features, theoretical foundations and methodological innovations of TESP: the teaching of English for Specific Purposes.

Aims:
This module aims to introduce students to the history, distinguishing features, theoretical foundations and methodological innovations of TESP: the teaching of English for Specific Purposes.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• account for the rise of ESP and explain the main approaches to it;
• carry out a needs analysis, selecting from the currently used methods;
• conduct an ESP course, taking into account the features of the local situation;
• select authentic materials in a principled way;
• analyse the linguistic features of the authentic materials, making a principled decision on which features to exploit;
• evaluate, select and supplement published materials in a principled way;
• determine appropriate classroom methodology for an ESP course;
• design appropriate tools for the evaluation of an ESP course;
• select appropriate test instruments for an ESP course;
• critically evaluate current approaches used in courses for Business English;
• critically evaluate current approaches used in courses for English for Academic Purposes.

Additional outcomes:
The development of autonomous learning skills through engagement with distance study module materials.

Outline content:
This module covers the following topics: Review of needs analysis, including participants' own needs, language analysis for ESP, consideration of examples of course design for ESP, introduction to EAP: course design, methods and materials, introduction to Business English methods and materials, review of the role of the teacher in ESP, testing and evaluation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students work through specifically written distance study module materials, doing tasks and reading commentaries on those tasks. They also receive core readings in the form of selected articles and a core textbook. The module tutor can be contacted by e-mail, letter or phone.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
A 3,000-4,000 word assignment on a selected topic.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination by coursework to be submitted for the next appropriate distance study submission deadline.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 4 April 2020