SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
COURSE CODE
EL2102
COURSE TITLE
APPLIED LINGUISTICS
This is a 10 credit course and is taught for 15 weeks. It comprises lectures, library and individual
works. At the end of the semester, the student is required to sit for examination.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for second year students studying English. It begins by introducing the
students to the interdisciplinary nature of Applied Linguistics and then concentrates on areas
related to second and foreign language learning, such as: Discussion of key concepts and
terminology related to language teaching; An overview, description, and analysis of approaches
and methods to second language teaching; the role of first language in second language learning ;
error analysis; analysis of syllabus types; selection and use of resources and materials for
teaching purposes; and finally, second language evaluation.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
It is hoped that by the end of the course the students should be able to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
identify and analyze theories that underlie classroom practices.
demonstrate a positive view of language errors.
identify and analyze different types of language teaching syllabuses.
evaluate and select useful language teaching materials
adopt eclectic approach for teaching second or foreign languages.
develop valid teacher-generated tests to measure student's achievement
in a second language.
EXPECTED COMPETENCES
It is hoped that by the end of the course the students shall demonstrate ability to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Use language teaching / learning theories in practice.
Find solution for language errors made by students .
Analyze different types of language teaching syllabuses.
Use language teaching materials effectively.
COURSE CONTENT
WEEK 1
Overview of Applied Linguistics
- The meaning of ‘applied linguistics’
- The role of Applied Linguistics in language teaching.
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WEEK 2-3
Discussion of key concepts and terminology related to language teaching
Linguistic theory and language teaching
 Trends in linguistic theory
- Structural view of language.
- Communicative view of language
- Interactional view of language.
 Pedagogical versus descriptive grammar
 Linguistics and the language teacher.
WEEK 3-5
Critical analysis of learning theories in language teaching
 Behaviourism
 Mentalism
 Cognitive theory
 Affective theory
 Learning vs. Acquisition (Krashen)
WEEK 6-9
Methodology in language teaching
 Origins of language teaching methods
 Critical analysis of language teaching methods
- Grammar-Translation Method
- Gouin’s Method – Series
- Direct Method
- Audiolingual Method
- Silent Way
- Suggestopedia
- Communicative Approach or Communicative Language
Teaching
 What makes a ‘good’ teaching method?
WEEK 10
The role of first language in second language learning
Contrastive analysis vs Error analysis
WEEK 11
Analysis of syllabus types and their theoretical basis
WEEK 12
Evaluation, selection and use of resources and materials for teaching English as a
second language.
WEEK 13-15 Second language evaluation
 The need for Evaluation
 Tests as Measuring Instruments
 Types of Language Tests
 Testing Grammatical Competence
 Test of Performance
 Qualities of a Good language Test
- Validity
2
-
Reliability
Discriminating power
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION



Lectures
Seminar presentations
Group discussions /presentations
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Your final grade will be weighted as follows:
 Course work 40%: Mid Semester Test 20%, Take Home Assignment OR Timed Essay
10%, Seminar Presentation 10%.
 Examination 60% (3 hrs. paper)
COURSE READING LIST
Core readings:
Berns, M., & Matsuda, P. K. (2006). Applied Linguistics: Overview and History. In K. Brown
(Ed.), The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics (2nd ed.; pp. 394–405).
Oxford, UK: Elsevier.
Ellis, R. (1985) Understanding Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: O U P.
Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical Language Testing. Routledge
Mitchell, R & F. Myles (2004). Second language Learning Theories. (2nd ed),
London: Arnold.
McGrath, I.( 2002). Materials evaluation and design for language teaching.
Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press
Nunan, D (1988) Syllabus Design. Oxford University Press
Richards, J. & Rodgers, T. (2001). Approaches & Methods in Language Teaching.
Cambridge: CUP.
.Schmitt, Norbert (2002). An Introduction to Applied Linguistics, London: Arnold.
Tomlinson, B. (ed.) (2003). Developing Materials for Language Teaching. London:
Continuum.
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Supplementary readings:
Ellis, R. (2008). The Study of Second Language Acquisition. (2nd ed) Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Doughty, C. J. and Long, M.H. (2003). The Handbook of Second Language
Acquisition. Oxford: Blackwell.
Davies, A. & Elder, C. (eds.) (2004) Handbook of Applied Linguistics, Oxford/Malden, MA:
Blackwell
Gass, S. and Selinker, L (2008). Second Language Acquisition: An Introductory.
London: Routledge.
Hall, C. J., Smith, P. H. & Wicaksono, R. (2011). Mapping Applied Linguistics. A Guide for
Students and Practitioners. London: Routledge.
Johnson, K. and Johnson, H. (1999) Encyclopedic Dictionary of Applied Linguistics,
Oxford/Malden, MA: Blackwell.
Johnson, K (2008). An Introduction to Foreign Language Teaching and Learning.
London: Longman.
Stern, H.H. (1983). Fundamental Concepts of Language Teaching. London: O.U.P
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