Course Details in 2025/26 Session


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Module Title LM Syllabus and Materials Design
SchoolEng, Drama, & Creative Studies
Department Linguistics and Communication
Module Code 09 29914
Module Lead Dr Crayton Walker
Level Masters Level
Credits 20
Semester Full Term
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions None
Exclusions
Description The module considers the problem of reconciling syllabus and materials design with what is known about the process of language learning and examines the attempts that established approaches to syllabus design have made to solve this problem. The module goes on to propose a more radical solution involving the establishment of a pedagogic corpus, the use of task-based methodology, and the development of analytical exercises.

This is a very practical module designed for practising teachers. It demonstrates that a syllabus is a lot more than simply a list of items at the start of a handbook. The module demonstrates that a syllabus typically reflects:
- beliefs about language and how language works
- beliefs about how we learn, or maybe acquire a language
- the way culture influences teaching and learning situations

The module introduces students to a variety of different types of syllabus such as the traditional grammatical syllabus, the lexical syllabus, the functional-notional syllabus, and the task-based syllabus. Students are encouraged to look at a range of teaching situations and consider how different type of syllabus can be used to meet the needs of different types of language learner. The later parts of the module look at materials development, evaluating material and how to adapt course books so the content is ‘lifted off the page’.
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • critically describe and assess established approaches to syllabus design;
  • critically discuss the issues involved in the design of a pedagogic corpus;
  • design and critically discuss teaching materials based on tasks and analytical exercises;
  • discuss the relationship between syllabus design, teaching methodology and the learning process.
Assessment 29914-01 : Essay : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessment: 4,000-word essay

Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component(s)
Other
Reading List