Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module LANG42115: Teaching English for Academic Purposes (TEAP)

Department: English Language Centre

LANG42115: Teaching English for Academic Purposes (TEAP)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap
Tied to Q3K807

Prerequisites

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Corequisites

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Excluded Combination of Modules

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Aims

  • at the end of this module, students will:
  • have full working knowledge of the principle theoretical underpinnings of EAP
  • have full understanding of the influence of relevant theory on EAP learning and teaching practice
  • be able to critically evaluate new proposals in theoretical perspectives on academic discourse in terms of their applicability to EAP teaching
  • be able to critically evaluate published EAP teaching resources in terms of their applicability to specific learning contexts
  • be able to theorise personal practice in terms of current theoretical perspectives on EAP
  • be able to apply relevant methods of enquiry to investigate issues in EAP within current theoretical frameworks
  • be able to critically evaluate theory and practice in relation to wider Higher Education and internationalisation agendas

Content

  • in this module we will explore and critically assess 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 in an English-speaking HE context
  • we examine how university academic practices, together with a wider awareness of higher education and internationalisation agendas, can inform an EAP teacher's understanding of student need, academic discourse, curriculum, assessment, materials and course development.
  • the structure and content of the module is informed by the Competency Framework for Teachers of EAP (BALEAP 2008), so as to reflect the professional, sector-wide values and principles underpinning the knowledge and competency needs of EAP teachers.
  • students interested in working towards units of the BALEAP accredited TEAP ePortfolio (1) will therefore also be able to fulfil essential criteria via this module

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • full understanding of the ways in which EAP theory and practice differs from mainstream English language teaching and CLT methodology
  • full understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in EAP learning and teaching
  • understanding of current approaches to EAP teaching as they relate to different approaches to academic discourse analysis
Subject-specific Skills:
  • to be able to critically assess the historical relationship between theory and practice
  • to assess the merits of the most influential theories of academic writing that currently exist, including genre theory and academic literacies
  • mastery of skills in critical teaching, drawing on current theory where possible
Key Skills:
  • ability to read and understand primary texts
  • ability to connect theoretical issues to an applied context

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • the lectures will introduce students to a range of theoretical and applied perspectives on current issues in English for Academic Purposes and the implications and applications for the EAP classroom that arise from them, such that students will have a good command of relevant theoretical background and be able to apply this knowledge to actual or envisaged teaching practice
  • the seminars will provide a forum for discussion structured around weekly readings
  • the tutorials will provide support for the course assessment so that the student adequately demonstrates an ability to research and organise complex material

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9 weekly in term 2 2 hours 18
Seminars 4 weekly except when tutorials 1 hour 4
Tutorials 2 twice in term 2 1 hour 2
Preparation and Reading 126

Summative Assessment

Component: Critique Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Reflective critique of a journal paper OR Evaluative critique of published EAP teaching materials 3000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

<enter text as appropriate for the module>


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University