LSMLCR-Language Curriculum Design

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: c.l.furneaux@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to: review the principal approaches to the design of language curricula; examine relevant factors in specifying a syllabus; analyse teaching materials in the light of syllabus requirements; consider the processes involved in implementing curriculum innovation; and contextualise language curriculum design within the educational system and philosophy of which it is a part.

Aims:
This module aims to: review the principal approaches to the design of language curricula; examine relevant factors in specifying a syllabus; analyse teaching materials in the light of syllabus requirements; consider the processes involved in implementing curriculum innovation; and contextualise language curriculum design within the educational system and philosophy of which it is a part.

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

• explain the relationship between educational traditions and the language curriculum;
• explain the principles and procedures involved in developing a language curriculum;
• distinguish between syllabus and curriculum, and identify and describe different types of syllabus;
• discuss the principal bases for organising language syllabuses, including selection, grading and sequencing, and apply these pr inciples to specific aspects of language syllabus design;
• describe the principles and procedures involved in needs analysis, and evaluate examples of needs analysis;
• apply needs analysis procedures to a nominated student group, and develop a language curriculum for this group;
• justify the decisions which were made in developing this curriculum;
• identify issues involved when implementing curriculum change; and relate these issues to a specific case;
• make conceptual and practical connections with other parts of the MA.

Additional outcomes:
Through class discussion and the Simulation students should develop their oral communication skills.

Outline content:
Major educational traditions; themes and issues in language teaching; components of the language curriculum; needs analysis; syllabus design: selection & grading; from syllabus to materials; lexical approaches to syllabus design; task based language learning.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is based on discussion of pre-class readings and tasks, which everyone will be expected to have done. The taught part of the module (10 classes) will take place in Weeks 1-9. An important component of the module is a Simulation which takes place in Week 10 and forms the topic for the question on the exam paper. In the week before the simulation there is a briefing for the Simulation and a compulsory de-briefing afterwards.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
A 3-hour examination in week 11 with two questions: once from a choice based on the taught components and a second question based on the week 10 Simulation, plus a coursework assignment.
These pieces of work constitute 67% of the module mark

In addition students will produce an extended bibliography
This piece of work constitutes 33% of the module mark

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 at least 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination by exam to be taken by 1st September.

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