Course syllabus

LANGTCHG 741 Second Language Course Design and Methodology

Course Convener and Lecturer:  Dr Rob Batstone. Room 207, Arts 2 Building. Extension:  85859 (on campus)

Course outcomes

At the end of the course you should have:

1. an understanding of second language course design and methodology both in terms of its defining pedagogic characteristics and in terms of the more critical issues it raises in relation to linguistic imperialism and globalization.
2. a familiarity with some of the key literature in the field
3. the ability to critically evaluate different kinds of SL curricula, the forms of syllabus, preferred modes of teaching and ideological beliefs which inform them.

Course Assessment

Assignment ONE (50% of total marks)

A ‘take-away test’ format, where you are given a choice of questions which ensures that you engage with topics and arguments covered in many of the first six sessions of the course. You will be asked to answer a total of 5 questions. To answer the questions adequately, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of key concepts/ideas/arguments as well as an ability to make use of these in your own way (there are no pre-established ‘right answers’ in this assignment).

Assignment TWO (50% of total marks)

Assignment two requires you to provide a critique of a second language curriculum with which you are familiar, both at the macro level (e.g. what is the purpose and overall character of the curriculum?) and at the micro level (by providing a critical examination of a global course

Book). Your critique of the course-book should be both pedagogic (to what degree are the book’s activities linked with contemporary ideas about language learning?) and cultural (is there evidence of a bias in the book’s cultural content e.g. towards inner circle countries). Preparing for the assignment will potentially involve drawing on ideas we have examined in every session of the course. The aim of this session is to help you as you think about how you might approach the assignment and to clarify any misunderstandings you may have.    

Workload:

The University of Auckland's expectation on 15-point courses, is that students spend 10 hours per week on the course. Students manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Students attend two hours of lectures each week and participate in a one-hour tutorial from week 2 of semester. This leaves seven hours per week outside the classroom to prepare for tutorials, assignments and the exam.

Deadlines and submission of coursework:

Deadlines for coursework are non-negotiable. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you will be required to provide a doctor's certificate before the assignment is due. All late assignments without a pre-approved extension will be penalised one mark per day late.

For session by session course outline please go to 'Course Outline' located in Files