Course Catalogue

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This online course is for teachers interested in developing their knowledge and understanding of practices and skills required for teaching English for academic purposes (EAP). It is aimed at those who are entering or already working in the area of EAP but who have yet to take a specialist course.

The course is delivered via a VLE/Moodle (online/e-learning tasks e.g. contributions to forum discussions, course reading materials and online lecture resources).

First degree and normally a recognised professional teaching qualification

Level of English equivalent to a minimum of IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any skill

Teaching experience is desirable

Teaching English for Academic Purposes (face to face) EAS5005

None

3 assignments:

1. Research a specific academic discipline and produce a short summary report; 1000 words (25%)

2. Language analysis project: an analysis of the linguistic and rhetorical features of an academic text presented via poster; equivalent to 1000 words (25%)

3. An investigation of a specific aspect of EAP or ESAP teaching; to include a background essay and be accompanied by an evaluation of teaching materials 2000 words (50%)

This online course aims to provide participants with a firm theoretical foundation in the principles and practices of teaching and learning in the field of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP). They will:

■ gain an understanding of academic contexts, academic discourse communities and practices and their relevance to EAP lesson and course design

■ investigate the role which learner needs, autonomy and criticality play in an academic context

■ study and apply knowledge of academic discourse (specific genres; linguistic features; disciplinary differences) in the analysis of language- and skills- related tasks and materials

■ enhance their skills in evaluating materials and planning lessons for students in an EAP context

■ study assessment and feedback practices in EAP

■ develop teacher research skills for investigating academic practices

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ critically analyse academic contexts and practices and relate these to teacher and learner roles in the EAP classroom

■ identify learner needs and select appropriate pedagogic frameworks

■ analyse and differentiate key linguistic and rhetorical features of academic discourse

■ apply theory to practice in selecting appropriate materials and frameworks for planning EAP lessons

■ identify appropriate criteria for EAP assessment and apply theory to practice in assessing students and providing formative and summative feedback

■ investigate disciplinary discourse practices in an area and present findings

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.