MGUEN501 English 3, module 1 - Teaching and Learning English

Contents and structure

The course Teaching and Learning English is offered as one of four specialized modules (including the MA thesis) leading to a Masters level degree in English.

The course Teaching and Learning English addresses research topics currently relevant in the learning and teaching of English as a foreign language. These topics are within the broader fields of language, language learning, culture, literature and their didactics.

The course incorporates analyses of language-related issues and texts of different genres and modalities.

The students gain advanced insight into recent research to enable them to critically engage in current discussions within the field of English teaching and learning, and eventually contribute knowledge to the field.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

On completion of the module, students should have acquired advanced knowledge of:

• key issues related to language learning and teaching.
• various literary, textual, and cultural topics and theories
• selected topics in EFL didactics, such as basic skills and assessment

Skills

On completion of the module, students should have acquired the following skills:

• the ability to critically analyse different kinds of texts and linguistic data
• the ability to critically evaluate and use national and international research on language, literature, culture, and didactics
• the ability to connect relevant theory to practical application in the EFL classroom

General competence

Students

• have the ability to critically analyse and reflect on research issues in the field of interest
• have the ability to critically evaluate and apply research-based knowledge - communicate about academic issues, analyses, and conclusions in the field, orally and in writing, using terminology in the academic field

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

English 1, and English 2, or equivalents

Teaching methods

Study methods on the module are varied and could include group work, lectures, seminars, student presentations, and/or regular writing seminars. In this course, the learning of English requires interaction with fellow students and instructors. It is expected that students attend all teaching sessions, sharing the responsibility for carrying out learning activities, thus contributing to a fruitful learning environment. Students are also expected to form study groups independently of the activities led by the instructor.

The reading list may be supplemented with material given in the teaching sessions, and such material can also be tested at the exam. The course demands a certain amount of self-study, as the entire reading list cannot be taught in class.

All teaching is given in English.

Compulsory learning activities

Students are to complete the following mandatory assignment

• Group work and presentation (e.g. poster presentation) on a given topic within language/literature or the teaching of language/literature.

The mandatory assignment must be completed and approved in order for students to attend the exam.

Students who do not receive a passing grade on the mandatory assignment, will have one (1) opportunity to resubmit in the same semester, within a deadline set by the instructor.

Students are required to attend 70% of the classes. Those with more than 30% absence will not be approved for the exam, regardless of the reason for the absence.

Language: English

Assessment

Assessment will take the form of a 30 minutes oral examination (based on a selection of pre-assigned topics) including a discussion related to central themes from the module.

Guidelines for the examination will be provided at the beginning of the module.

Grades scale A to F, with F being a failing grade.

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material