University of Stirling The Sunday Times - Scottish University of the Year - 2009/2010

The Stirling Institute of Education

Bachelor of Arts in English Language Teaching

 

DEPARTMENTAL SENIOR ADVISER: Anne Lawrie

This three-year programme is designed for non-native speakers of English who seek a university qualification in teaching English as a foreign language and intend to return to their own countries to teach English at the end of their period of study. The degree does not confer an official professional qualification because each country has its own regulations as to what qualifications its teachers require but it provides an appropriate first degree involving a wide-ranging study of language teaching methodology. At least half of our graduates continue their studies at Master’s level at the University of Stirling or at other British universities.

Applicants who have a good standard of English (at least IELTS 6.0) and who already have some classroom teaching experience may be offered direct entry to second year of the programme. To enable us to assess this and to be in a position to award credit for previous study or experience you are asked to write to us giving full details about previous study, type of teaching, length of service, etc. at the same time as you send your UCAS form.

A minimum of 16 credits, in the pattern shown below must be successfully completed for the award of the degree. Teaching will take place in the Centre for English Language Teaching in the Stirling Institute of Education.

Please note this programme is currently closed to new applicants.

 

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1 (September to December)

English for Academic Purposes I

Focuses on reading and writing essays in an academic style with some attention given to listening and speaking skills, making and organising notes.

English Language Development I

Aims to enable students to perform to a high academic level in the 4 main language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

British Studies I

Part I: An insight into a variety of aspects of the social and cultural life of present day Britain.

Part II: The study of contemporary issues about life in Britain through short stories written by current writers.

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2 (February to May)

English for Academic Purposes II

This module builds on the skills and knowledge in English for Academic Purposes I to develop the language competence and academic skills needed for undergraduate study.

English Language Dvelopment II

Futher development of students’ English language proficiency so that they can write fluently in a variety of styles and participate confidently in discussions / seminars.

British Studies II

Part I: The Media in Britain: how they have developed, their characteristic features and future developments.

Part II: Modern British History and Politics: aspects of political, social and cultural life in modern Britain.

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 3

Language Learning and Teaching

An introduction to the major theoretical issues in current language teaching methodology.

Description of English I

This module develops an understanding of the sound system of English and the ways in which the pronunciation of English differs in various parts of the world.

Human Relationships in the Classroom

Social processes in Education; teachers’ and pupils’ attitudes; teachers’ perceptions of pupils; language in classrooms; classroom groups.

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 4

Observation and Microteaching

Observation of experienced teachers in real classrooms; development of practical teaching skills in a supportive environment.

Description of English II

This module develops a deeper knowledge of the grammatical structures and seamantics of English. It complements Description of English I.

One of the following:

Curriculum Society and Schools
Motivation School and Learning
Teaching and Learning
Language and Literacy
Purposes of Education
Adult Education

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 5

Investigating English

Analysis of different types of spoken and written text showing how features such as context, purpose and audience influence choice of language.

Methodology I

Current theory and practice in the teaching of the 4 language skills (reading, speaking, listening, writing).

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 6

Interpreting Language in Use

This module examines the cognitive processes by which we understand both written and spoken English.

Methodology II

An overview of current theory and practice in the teaching of language elements (grammar, vocabulary, discourse and pronunciation).

NB: Students can choose 2 additional modules, one in Semester 5 and one in Semester 6, from the University BA programme but only if they choose to do so: only 16 modules are required for the degree.