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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Clare Furneaux
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 principles 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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Tutorials		5
Guided independent study:		275
Total hours by term		300
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One essay of 4500-5000 words on a general topic related to the focus of the module. The essay will focus on an area (or areas) of theory, research or research methods discussed in the module (chosen by the student), and will link the topic to practical and professional areas of interest (e.g., a teaching and/or learning situation with which the student is familiar).

This piece of work constitutes 100% of the module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

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: 30 March 2023