This module in applied linguistics is about how language works in theory and in the real world, using examples from the English language. Whether you are interested in language education, the social sciences or arts, the module enables you to pursue your own particular interests and expertise through the end-of-module small-scale research project. You will develop your skills in analysing how English is used from a range of different perspectives – functional, critical and ethnographic. You will become familiar with online forums which are an integral part of the module, providing opportunities to share ideas with colleagues and your tutor.
What you will study
This module in our masters in education programme will provide you with the understanding and opportunities to investigate a wide range of professional and cultural contexts where language-related problems and issues arise. The module takes a global perspective, examining how the English language is both used and taught in a fascinating array of regional contexts. It will be of particular interest if you are involved in English language teaching either in the UK or internationally. The module will:
- equip you with theories, concepts and analytical approaches that you can apply to thought-provoking scenarios concerning the English language
- explore the relevance of research in the field of applied linguistics to contemporary issues in both global and local contexts
- provide structured support for carrying out your own analysis of the way English is used in situations of particular interest to you
- develop critical reflection on the connection between theories and practical applications (particularly in the field of education and English language teaching).
The module will extend your professional opportunities and will enable you to apply the knowledge gained to your own professional context. Interactive language analysis activities, interviews with key language theorists and a stimulating set of language interactions from around the world (supplied on two DVDs) help to ground, illustrate and provoke reflection on the key concepts and theories presented on the module.
Vocational relevance
This module can be taken as a module of the #Masters degree in Education [F01]# or the new version of this qualification that started in October 2015, the
Masters degree in Education (F70) – restrictions apply as detailed in the Qualifications section above. If you are involved in English language education, you may wish to follow the MA in Education (Applied Linguistics)/Master of Education (Applied Linguistics) line. If you are a teacher of English, a degree in applied linguistics is an excellent qualification for enhancing your career potential.
While not in any way restricted to such professionals, the module will be of great interest to anyone teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), English as an additional language (EAL), English as a foreign language (EFL) or any other aspect of English language teaching (ELT).
Educators who would find this module of interest include:
• EFL/ESOL teachers wishing to complement practical qualifications with a solid grounding in theoretical issues. (More practical qualifications would include the Cambridge Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Delta) and Trinity College certificates and diploma).
• Teachers using English as a medium for instruction in both English and non-English speaking countries who wish to support their students’ English language and writing skills.
• Primary and secondary school teachers interested in supporting their students’ language development, particularly students with English as an additional language (EAL).
• Teachers and lecturers in further education (FE) colleges and universities specialising in the teaching of English for academic purposes (EAP) and/or academic literacy and study skills support.
This module counts as part of the MA in Education (Applied Linguistics)/MEd (Applied Linguistics) which is a qualification generally recognised as suitable for academic managers. If you hold a Cambridge Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Delta) (module entry from September 2008) or a Trinity College London Licentiate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (LTCL Diploma in TESOL) (module entry from March 2011), these diplomas can count as 60 credits towards our #Masters degree in Education [F01]# (giving exemption from either this module or
Language, literacy and learning in the contemporary world (E852) and the new version of this qualification that started in October 2015
(F70) (giving exemption from Stage 1). See the relevant qualification description for more information about counting your previous study.
Entry
This module can only be studied as part of a qualification (see below for the relevant qualifications).
You should be prepared for study at postgraduate level and have the minimum of a bachelors degree (in any subject) from a UK University or an equivalent professional qualification. We warmly welcome applications from students who have an undergraduate degree level qualification from universities outside the UK and which is deemed equivalent to a UK higher education degree.
You must have access to an educational setting that can be linked with your study.
You need to be able to spend 10-12 hours study per week on average studying this module.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Outside the UK
This module has been designed with a global audience in mind. Since it is tutored using online forums, you can enrol in the module no matter where you are in the world except for residents of South Africa, who may be restricted to studying through the Open University (OU) affiliate in their country.
Preparatory work
If you have not previously studied English grammar we suggest that you buy the following book:
D. Biber, S. Conrad and G. Leech (2002) Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English, Longman, £19.50 (March 2015 price).
This will serve as a useful grammar reference throughout your study. You may also want to browse through the first two chapters before the start of the module to familiarise yourself with some basic terms.
You should also make sure your computer meets the specification below and that you have an internet service provider (ISP).
Qualifications
E854 is an optional module in our:
This module can also count towards F01, D52 and C27 which are no longer available to new students.
Some postgraduate qualifications allow study to be chosen from other subject areas. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this module can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Postgraduate Loans
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you may also be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan available from Student Finance England. For more information, see Fees and funding.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
The module includes some online quizzes which use phonetic script; these sections are not currently accessible to screen readers. The quizzes are optional and they do not need to be completed in order to achieve the learning outcomes. If you would like to discuss ways to access study materials please contact your regional or national centre for advice.
Study materials
What's included
A study guide and other supplementary printed materials. Two specially prepared edited collections of academic articles (referred to as the module readers). A CD-ROM with interactive language analysis activities. Two DVDs with audio-visual material.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. You and your tutor will primarily communicate with each other through email and tutorials. Tutorials are primarily offered via online tutor group forums which you can contribute to across different time zones. If and where real time online conferencing is used tutorial times will be negotiated to try and accommodate different time zones.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with the OU before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
The TMAs will include a traditional essay, some language analysis, a critical evaluation of a piece of language research and a project proposal. There will be an end-of-module small-scale project (approximately 7000 words) instead of an exam, which must be submitted online. This will give you the opportunity to explore some aspects of English that are of particular interest and relevance to you. You will receive feedback from your tutor on your project proposal and you will have approximately nine weeks of dedicated time in which to conduct and write up your work. You will be provided with detailed guidance for structuring the project report.
What kind of small-scale project do I have to do?
Examples of appropriate projects might include:
- the analysis of students’ essays with suggestions as to how they could be improved
- a critical discourse analysis of a text which is in the public domain, e.g. a newspaper article or a local authority document
- an analysis of spoken language – perhaps comparing two or three political speeches, or investigating classroom interaction.
Future availability
October 2016 is the final start date for this module. No replacement is planned.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.