Module: TES7103-30 Language Analysis for TESOL

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Nicholas Bremner

Module Tutor Contact Details: n.bremner@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

This module focuses on developing your language awareness, analytical skills and ability in English through the study of the description and analysis of modern English in the discourse analysis tradition. The role of culture and context in language use and how coherence is realised through grammatical, lexical and phonological systems will be considered through examination of texts (language in use, both spoken and written). How discourse analysis approaches can inform professional practice in English language teaching is a continuous and underlying theme of the module.

2.Outline syllabus

The module starts with a broad look at what discourse is. This is followed by an examination of the development of the discourse analysis tradition and some of the approaches that fall within this tradition. From here the focus changes to detailed analysis of texts, first written and then spoken English, including classroom language. At all times the language classroom is kept in mind, with each analysis considering the teacher’s role in the language classroom and discovering how the analysis can aid the teacher’s preparation and students’ overall language development. Throughout the module awareness of the components of discourse, such as culture and pragmatics, grammar, lexis and phonology is continually raised.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Teaching and learning methods utilised include seminars, workshops, directed classroom-based language analysis tasks and discussion.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Language Materials Analysis task (3,000 words)
• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Analysis task from a selection (4,500 words)
• % Weighting: 60%