ENGL 6240 NAN JIANG AUBURN UNIVERSITY

 Syllabus

Calendar

Activities

Readings

Links
 Home



Syllabus

ENGL 6240 aims to introduce students to the basic concepts, principles and theories of teaching English as a second language (TESL) and help students develop the skills and techniques they need to become effective ESL teachers. Students will be reading about various approaches to TESL. We will examine their theoretical foundations, pedagogical principles, classroom procedures, and their strengths and weaknesses. Students will also be involved in activities that help them develop important TESL skills and techniques. Some of these activities include demonstrative teaching, analyzing textbooks and tests, writing lesson plans, watching TESL video tapes, interviewing ESL students, exploring TESL resources on the Internet.

Textbooks
1. Jack C. Richards and Theodore S. Rodgers. Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching: A Description and Analysis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986.
2. Penny Ur. A Course in Language Teaching: Practice and Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.
3. Additional Readings.

Requirements and Grading
1. Attendance and Participation -- Regular attendance and active participation are critical for your success in this course. Notify me before you have to miss a class by calling my office, calling the English department, leaving a note in my mailbox, or sending me an email message. You may receive an F for this course if you have more than three unexcused absences.

2. Readings -- You are required to read the chapter/materials for the week before you come to class. See the daily syllabus table below for the required readings for each class meeting.

3. Graded Activities (50%) -- You will complete a number of graded activities throughout this semester. See the Activities page for more detailed descriptions.

4. Mid-term Exam (20%) -- A take-home mid-term exam will be handed out in class on October 2. It will be due on October 16.

5. Term Paper or Final Project (30%) -- Each student is required to write a term paper or complete a final project. The term paper or project report should be 8 to 12 double-spaced pages in length. A minimum of five secondary sources should be used in the paper/report. The paper/report is due by 10:30 on Wednesday, December 13, which is the day of the final exam for this course. Some potential topics for the term paper/project are:

a. an in-depth analysis and evaluation of a teaching method covered in this course;

b. a detailed comparison of two teaching methods;

c. a description and analysis of an innovative teaching method not covered in this course;

d. a literature review of a topic that is related to what is covered in this course, such as individual differences in second language learning, English for specific purposes, testing oral proficiency, the assessment of communicative competence, vocabulary control, Web-based ESL, the role of consciousness in language learning, method comparison studies;

e. a report on the observation and analysis of two different classes;

f. a report on an in-depth interview with one or more ESL students;

g. an in-depth description, analysis,and evaluation of one's own second language teaching approach;

This course has a total of 100 available points. To receive an A in this course, you must have at least 90 points; for a B, 80 points; for a C, 70 points; and for a D, 60 points.

Late Assignments
You won't receive any credit for any missed assignment. Late assignments will receive a grade deduction of 10% of the total
available points for the assignment for each day late, unless you have arranged with me prior to the regular due date to turn in the
assignment late.

Students with Disabilities
Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting with me during the first week or as soon as possible. To set
up this meeting, please contact me by Email. Bring a copy of your Accommodation Memo and an Instructor Verification Form to
the meeting. If you do not have an Accommodation Memo but need accommodations, make an appointment with The Program for
Students with Disabilities, 1244 Haley Center, 844-2096.

Daily Syllabus
Be aware that a syllabus is occasionally subject to change due to time constraints, unexpected disruptions, or needs of the class.
Therefore, pay attention to class announcements of any changes in the assignments. However, unless I announce to you otherwise,
you may assume that the assignments listed for each day are correct and that you are accordingly responsible for doing them on
time.

Week

 Date

 Topics

Readings/Notes

1

8/28
Introduction; R&R: Chapters 1, 2 and 3; Quiz 1

2

9/11
The Grammar Translation Method; The Direct Method; Situational Language Teaching R&R: Chapters 4 and 5; Quiz 2

3

9/18
The Audiolingual Method; The Communicative Approach; R&R: Chapters 6, 7 and 8; Quiz 3

 4

 9/25
Total Physical Response; The Silent Way; Community Language Learning R&R: Chapters 9 and 10; Additional Readings; Quiz 4

5

 10/2
The Natural Approach; Suggestopedia; Focus on Form Ur: Part IV; Mid-Term assigned.

6

 10/9
Syllabus and Materials Ur: Part V;

 7

 10/16
The Teaching Process (1) Ur: Part I; Mid-Term Due.

 8

 10/23
The Teaching Process (2) Ur: Part II (4, 5).

 9

 10/30
Teaching Aspects of Language (1) Ur: Part II (6, 7); Interview Due.

10

11/6
Teaching Aspects of Language (2) Ur: Part III (8, 9)

11

 11/13
Teaching the Four Skills (1) Ur: Part III (10, 11)

12

11/20
Teaching the Four Skills (2) Class Observation Due.

13

 11/27
ESL and Technology

14

12/4
Wrap-up  

15

 12/13

The term paper is due by 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 13. Send it via email or put it in my mailbox.
       

updated August 2, 2000