Studying at York
Teaching English for Academic Purposes - EDU00009M
Module summary
In this module, we will explore and evaluate the theory and practice of EAP. A central focus throughout will be the classroom practice of EAP and the needs of international students preparing for university-level study. We will examine how university academic practices, together with a wider awareness of higher education, can inform EAP teachers' understanding of student needs, academic discourse, curriculum, assessment, material and course development.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
- To develop a critical awareness of how language relates to higher education contexts, tasks and participants
- To develop the ability to analyse and evaluate an academic task (or set of tasks) in order to (a) diagnose learning problems that need to be resolved and (b) design an appropriate programme of language-related support
- To develop the ability to carry out an evaluation of a support programme, class or set of teaching materials.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
- Be aware of current research on relevant EAP topics
- Analyse the structure and function of academic discourse
- Be aware of language problems of second language learners
- Teach, evaluate and design EAP courses.
Academic and graduate skills
- Engage critically with published work, particularly journal papers
- Formulate critical and balanced arguments orally and in writing
- Participate in group work and problem-solving activities
- Undertake and report appropriately short, empirical data collection and analysis work
- Demonstrate effective planning and time management
- Word-process, manage files, use e-mail, VLE and the Web.
Module content
The following is indicative of the different topics that will be covered:
- Introduction to teaching English for Academic Purposes
- Critical thinking and argumentation
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Listening and reading
- Speaking
- Writing
- Assessment and feedback
- Needs analysis
- Materials and syllabus design
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Assessment
Assessment is by a 3,500 word written assignment on one of several topics provided.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
You will receive feedback in a range of ways throughout this module. This will include oral feedback in class, responses to posts on the VLE discussion board and written comments on work. You will have the chance to obtain feedback on your writing during the module, and you will have a short one-to-one meeting with a module tutor to discuss assessments.
You will be provided physical written feedback on assignment report sheets as well as them being readily available on the VLE. The feedback is returned to students in line with university policy. Please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information
Indicative reading
Alexander, O., Argent, S., & Spencer, J. (2008). EAP essentials: A teacher’s guide to principles and practice. Reading: Garnet Education.
Charles, M., & Pecorari, D. (2015). Introducing English for academic purposes. London and New York: Routledge.
De Chazal, E. (2014). English for academic purposes. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hyland, K. (2006). English for academic purposes: An advanced resource book. London: Routledge.
Jordan, R. R. (1997). English for academic purposes: A guide and resource book for teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Long, M. H. (Ed.). (2005). Second language needs analysis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
MacDiarmid, C., & MacDonald, J. J. (2021). Pedagogies in English for academic purposes
teaching and learning in international contexts. London and New York: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Moon, J. (2008). Critical thinking: An exploration of theory and practice. London: Routledge.
Ruiz-Garrido, M. F., Palmer-Silveira, J.C., & Fortanet Gomez, I. (Eds.) (2010). English for Professional and Academic Purposes. Leiden: Netherlands.