Programme Specification (Postgraduate) Date amended: March 2012

Transcription

1 Programme Specification (Postgraduate) Date amended: March Programme Title(s): MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL 2. Awarding body or institution: University of Leicester 3. a) Mode of study Campus: Full Time DL: Part Time b) Type of study Campus Based and Distance Learning 4. Registration periods: Campus The normal period of registration is 1 year The maximum period of registration is 2 years DL The normal period of registration is 2 years The maximum period of registration is 4 years 5. Typical entry requirements: Candidates should normally be teachers or others working in the TESOL field who have at least a second class honours degree or its equivalent from a non-uk university (GPA 3.0 or above) plus two years' teaching experience. Degrees in English language, linguistics or education preferred. Serving teachers who have equivalent qualifications or qualified teacher status and significant experience can be considered. Candidates who are not native speakers of English need to have a proficiency level equivalent to Candidates who are not native speakers of English need to have a proficiency level equivalent to GCSE O level Grade C; IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill; TOEFL 575 (paper) plus TWE 4.0, 90 (IBT); Cambridge Proficiency Grade C or above. 6. Accreditation of Prior Learning: Requests for exemptions, on the basis of prior learning, may be made for a maximum of two of the modules (60 credit max). Detailed evidence of the prior learning with copies of programme outlines and transcripts should be submitted with the request. 7. Programme aims: The programme aims to Provide participants with the opportunity to study the sub-disciplines of Applied Linguistics and TESOL;

2 Provide participants with theoretical foundations upon which sound TESOL practice is based; Develop students' ability to manage, reflect on and enhance their own learning; Provide students with opportunities to extend their range of transferable skills including study and research skills. The general teaching aims of the MA Applied Linguistics TESOL programme are to: 1. Provide participants with the opportunity to study the disciplines that apply to TESOL: Second language teaching and learning; description of English (grammar and phonology); sociolinguistics and discourse analysis; 2. Offer the opportunity to engage in optional studies that relate to their interests in Applied Linguistics and TESOL, such as language testing and assessment, intercultural communication, and materials development. Enhance the understanding and enrich the expertise of professionals involved in language teaching 3. To further the academic and professional development of course participants. On successful completion students in MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL should be able to: 1. Display knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of TESOL drawing on theory and research in Applied Linguistics; 2. Display knowledge of the description of English grammar and phonology; 3. Demonstrate the ability to analyse English discourse and varieties of English in different contexts; 4. Apply their knowledge and understanding to teaching and learning in their own educational setting; 5. Apply a range of research methods to the study of English language and the teaching and learning of English in different contexts; 6. Plan and conduct a research study in the field of TESOL or Applied Linguistics. 8. Reference points used to inform the programme specification: External Examiners' reports QAA subject review ( QAA Benchmarking statement University of Leicester Learning and Teaching Strategy Graduate Survey 9. Programme : Intended Learning Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of TESOL drawing on theory and research in Applied Linguistics, covering disciplines that apply to TESOL, teaching and sociolinguistics. (a) Subject and Professional skills Knowledge CB: Lectures Seminars Tutorials Workshops Directed reading Dissertation supervision Induction programme Blackboard (VLE) support site Formative and summative assessment, including: Formative assignment (CB and DL) Module assignments Dissertation

3 Intended Learning DL: Online materials (Blackboard) Online tutoring Directed reading Student electronic message and discussion boards Library Distance Learning support services. Module specific blogs etc e-tivities Demonstrate ability to describe the formal (ie syntactic and phonological) features of English. Demonstrate ability to analyse spoken and written discourse. Display understanding of the dimensions of language variation, change and of theories of second language learning and acquisition. Development of the analytical skills used by linguists to describe language and discourse. Display ability to analyse and critique relevant arguments, debates and points of view in areas of Applied Linguistics and TESOL. Demonstrate understanding of developments in TESOL. Critically evaluate the relationship between Applied Linguistic theory and TESOL practice. Concepts CB/DL Describe features of spoken and written English using phonemic analysis and models of grammatical analysis, as well as models of discourse analysis and pragmatic analysis. DL As above, plus: Recording by students of authentic speech both by first and second language users (Module ED7003 DL). Techniques Use of phonemic analysis and models of grammatical analysis, as well as models of discourse and pragmatic analysis. Critical analysis CB: Seminars involving critical debate based on pre-class reading. Individual and group tutorials analysing aspects of Applied Linguistics/TESOL DL: Online discussion with personal tutor regarding assignment drafts and activities. Summative tests (CB) Portfolio (DL) Assignment analysing a selected piece of spoken or written discourse. Small-scale research project on an aspect of Second Language (Module ED7002) Dissertation. In both the Description of English and Language, Discourse and Society modules. Development of a critical argument through an extended essay and final dissertation. Presentation Produce articulate, fluent Study guides and induction to CB

4 Intended Learning and well-structured assignments. Show accurate and appropriate handling of references and sources. Show ability to present work clearly and appropriately. Show that research questions are appropriate and properly defined. Give evidence of systematic enquiry. Discuss and justify research methods used. Present and analyse data clearly and accurately. Show awareness of possible limitations to the study and of alternative interpretations. Able to demonstrate some understanding of quantitative research methods and their uses in areas such as language testing and data collection. Develop communicative and intercultural competence. Develop the ability to apply the skills and knowledge gained to their own teaching contexts. support development of academic literacy. Appraisal of Evidence Research training is provided before students begin work on their dissertation In DL, research training is provided in Modules ED7002/7003 and a pack is issued for the dissertation ED7000). Some module assignments give opportunities for small-scale data collection and analysis. (b) Transferable skills Research skills Research classes (CB) or materials (DL), included with Module ED7002 (SLTL) and with the dissertation guidance. Working alongside TESOL practitioners from a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds (either on campus or online). Induction and ongoing feedback Good organisation and presentation are specific aspects of our formal marking criteria in all assignments. Extended essays and dissertation. Formal dissertation plan is submitted by students. In Modules ED7002/7004 students may analyse data through SPSS or Excel. Students taking Language Testing and Assessment Option may focus on statistical areas in their assignment Student evaluation of the course. Students' reflections on their own personal and professional development.

5 Intended Learning Constructing and managing a spoken argument. Communicating effectively and fluently in speech. Understanding the dynamics of oral communication. Communication skills Seminar debates and student presentations Formative assessment of a presentation. CB: Students give presentations in Descriptions of English and some other modules. Communicating effectively and fluently in writing. Using the appropriate register and style and proper referencing when writing essays, assignments and dissertations. Able to demonstrate an understanding of quantitative research methods and their uses in areas such as language testing and data collection. Ability to use phonetic font software and some other linguistics-related software (eg British National Corpus, Wordsmith Tools, Oxford Text Archive). Induction course in academic writing, for CB students. A formative assignment is done by both campus and Dl students Writing support also offered by the Learning and Teaching Unit. Academic writing training also available at the ELTU for international students, with weekly sessions available to Campus-based students Blackboard website provides support for academic writing (DL) Data presentation Online tutorial in SPSS available through Blackboard (see earlier comment). Research classes/guidance. Information technology Module ED7004 includes a session on analysing spoken data. Research training in basic use of linguistic corpora. Formative assignment focuses on writing skills. Tutorial advice offered on drafts prior to final assignments. Written assignments required in each module. Students taking Language Testing and Assessment options may focus on statistical areas in their assignment In Modules ED7002/7004 students may analyse data through SPSS or Excel. In Module ED7003 students are expected to make use of the IPA fonts in their assignments. In Module ED7004, Students may submit assignments drawing on electronic tools and corpora. Ability to identify and reflect on common learning and Problem solving We offer a 30 credit core module in Second Language Formal assessment through an assignment reflecting on and

6 Intended Learning teaching problems in TESOL. The ability to identify and reflect on cultural problems in TESOL. Ability to communicate and work effectively in small groups. Show willingness to learn from other TESOL professionals Show ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and timemanagement. Show ability to manage their own learning self-critically. Ability to acquire complex linguistic information of diverse kinds, from a variety of sources (libraries, WWW, CD-ROMs, corpora, discussions with peers etc). A critical understanding of key issues and debates in many areas of Applied Linguistics and how these relate to TESOL A development of (SLTL) which addresses key issues and problems in TESOL. The option modules (ED7005 to ED7020) include opportunities for problem solving in relation to teacher education, course/syllabus design, testing and evaluation, materials design and development and Intercultural Communication. Working relationships Group work in seminars (CB) Course related online Message Board and course specific Discussion Forum in Blackboard (DL, CB) Managing learning Advice on study skills, e.g. time management given in the Planning Units of our DL materials. Tutorial support in time management and planning of assignments (CB and DL). Induction session on the use of the library and electronic resources centre (CB). Blackboard support on the university's website. (DL) Support on handling information (e.g. how to access online journals) through the university's dedicated Distance Learning Unit. (DL) Career management E-tivities (DL) to provide opportunities for professionally relevant discussion Group discussions in seminars on campus-based course critically discussing problems and issues in ELT methodology. In addition some options offer opportunities to analyse problems and evaluate possible solutions related to TESOL e.g. communicative language testing, task-based learning, teacher education, curriculum design, intercultural communication. Informal assessment of students' effectiveness in group activities. Some option assignments can involve team work submissions Tutor reports on student progress. Course evaluation forms and staff/student committee meetings enable us to monitor how students see their own success in these areas. We assess organisation and presentation of information in all written assignments. Through dissertation work Participation in online discussion with other course participants Guest lectures delivered by TESOL professionals (where possible

7 Intended Learning professional expertise in the field of Applied Linguistics and TESOL Development of ability to undertake effective practitioner research recorded for online delivery to DL students) 10. Special features: The MA is offered both by campus-based and distance learning mode or occasionally a combination of both. The MA combines a theoretical grounding in Applied Linguistics with pedagogical application to English Language Teaching, rather than concentrating solely on one or the other. The wide range of option modules enables students with two years of teaching experience to specialise in a chosen area (e.g. teacher education, testing and assessment) A student who takes Language Testing and Assessment 1 and 2, and also does their dissertation on a language testing related topic may be awarded an MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL with Language Testing. 11. Indications of programme quality: The external examiners for both distance and campus versions of the current MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL programme have expressed their satisfaction and complimented the team on a number of points, including: quality of written feedback on students assignments the development of online activities for the DL students quality of dissertation projects undertaken by students 12. Scheme of Assessment This programme follows the regulations governing taught postgraduate programmes of study. 13. Progression points In cases where a student has failed to meet a requirement to progress he or she will be required to withdraw from the course and a recommendation will be made to the Board of Examiners for an intermediate award where appropriate. 14. Rules relating to re-sits or re-submissions Students can only resubmit in 60 credits of the course. All resubmissions in the taught modules must be completed before progression to the dissertation. 15. Additional information [e.g. timetable for admissions] Appendix 1: Programme structure (programme regulations) M.A./Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics and TESOL Campus based Entry Requirements: Candidates should normally be teachers or others with at least two years classroom

8 experience working in TESOL or related area, and have a second class honours degree or its equivalent (GPA 3 or US equivalent), preferably in English language, linguistics and/or language education. Students whose first language is not English must possess an appropriate English Language qualification. Acceptable evidence includes: GCSE/O-Level English at grade C or above; an overall score of 6.5 in the IELTS test (with a minimum score of 6.0 is obtained in each component); a TOEFL 600 (paper) or 90 (IBT) Module Code Module Title Credits Compulsory ED7002 Second Language 30 ED7003 Description of English: Grammar 30 Awareness/Phonology and Pronunciation Teaching ED7004 Language, Discourse and Society 30 ED7000 * Dissertation 60 Optional (not all options are offered ED7005 ED7006 Teacher Education I Teacher Education every year) ED7007 Language Testing and Assessment I 15 ED7008 Language Testing and Assessment II 15 ED7014 Literature in Language Education 15 ED7009 Course and Syllabus Design 15 ED7010 Materials Design and Development 15 ED7011 Management in ELT 15 ED7012 English for Specific Purposes 15 ED7013 Business English 15 ED7016 Technology in Language 15 ED7017 Young Learners and ELT 15 ED7018 Critical Discourse Perspectives 15 ED7020 Intercultural Communication 15 ED7022 Continuing Professional Development for English Language Teachers 15 ED7021 Second Language Acquisition 15 * Compulsory only for the degree of M.A. Students who choose to follow the language testing specialism must take two option modules in Language Testing and Assessment (ED7007 and ED7008) as well as completing a dissertation in language testing. If successful, they will be awarded an MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL with Language Testing. M.A./Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics and TESOL Distance learning Period of Registration: Three to five years part-time by distance learning. Entry Requirements: Candidates should normally be teachers or others with at least two year s classroom experience working in TESOL, and have at least a second class honours degree or its equivalent, or have an advanced diploma plus at least three years' teaching experience. Course Aims: To enhance the understanding and enrich the expertise of professionals involved in language teaching; to provide participants with the opportunity to study the disciplines that apply to

9 TESOL, including grammar, phonetics/phonology, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, second language acquisition; to provide participants with theoretical foundations upon which sound practice in language teaching and learning is based. Curriculum: (i) All candidates will take the following core modules: Module Code Module Title Core/Option Credit Rating ED7502 Second Language C 30 ED7503 The Structure of English C 30 ED7504 Language Discourse and Society C 30 ED7500 Dissertation C* 60 * Compulsory only for candidates for the degree of Master of Arts. (ii) All candidates will take two modules from the following list of options**: Module Code Module Title Core/Option Credit Rating ED7505 Teacher Education 1 O 15 ED7507 Language Testing and Assessment O 15 ED7509 Course and Syllabus Design O 15 ED7510 Materials Design and Development O 15 ED7511 Management and ELT O 15 ED7512 English for Specific Purposes/EAP O 15 ED7514 Literature in Language Education O 15 ED7516 Technology in Language Education O 15 ED7517 Young Learners and ELT O 15 ED7518 Critical Discourse Analysis O 15 ED7520 Intercultural Communication O 15 * * Not all option modules will be offered by face-to-face teaching in any one year. Assessment: (i) The compulsory modules will be assessed as follows: ED7502: tasks and assignments of 6,000 words plus two structured activities (total 1,200-1,500 words) ED7503: grammar assignment (3,000 words) plus one structured activity (total 600 words) and phonology assignment (3,000 words) plus one structured activity (total 600 words) ED7504: tasks and assignment of 6,000 words plus two structured activities (total 1200 words). (ii) The two option modules will each be assessed by a 3,000 word assignment plus one structured activity ( words) or an agreed combined assignment of 6,000 words. (iii) Candidates for the degree of Master of Arts will be required to submit a satisfactory dissertation of 15-20,000 words on an approved topic. The dissertation will carry a credit rating of 60 credits. (iv) Candidates may be permitted to resubmit the written assignments for one or more of the modules and/or resubmit the dissertation as required by the examiners. Qualifications Awarded: (i) Candidates who accumulate 60 credits and satisfactorily complete the assessment requirements for each taught module (i.e. not the dissertation) will be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate.

10 (ii) Candidates who accumulate 120 credits from the taught modules (i.e. not the dissertation) and satisfactorily complete the assessment requirements for each of the six modules will be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma. (iii) Candidates who accumulate 180 credits, satisfactorily complete the assessment for each of the modules and submit a satisfactory dissertation will be awarded the degree of Master of Arts. Notes: (i) The degree of Master of Arts may be awarded with merit or distinction. (ii) No candidate may be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma and the Master s degree. Appendix 2: Module Specifications See module specification database