Pragmatics and TESOL

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Pragmatics and TESOL (TSL557)

Applications Open: 01 October 2025

Applications Close: 15 November 2025

Next Available Intake: January 2026

Course Types: Modular Graduate Course

Language: English

Duration: 6 months

Fees: $2200

Area of Interest: Linguistics and Languages

Schemes: Alumni Continuing Education (ACE), Postgraduate Alumni Continuing Education (PACE)

Funding: To be confirmed

School/Department: School of Humanities & Behavioural Sciences

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Synopsis

TSL 557 Pragmatics and TESOL examines advanced concepts and theories in pragmatics and the implications for teaching pragmatic competence in the TESOL context. Selected concepts and theories in pragmatics are examined in relation to the issue of second language or interlanguage pragmatics. Emphasis is placed on analysing and understanding learners’ interlanguage. Finally, implications for adopting appropriate teaching methods and for designing suitable materials and tests are considered carefully.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY 2 YEARS
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

Pragmatics and pragmatic competence; interlanguage pragmatics and TESOL
Speech Act Theory (Austin and Searle)
Speech acts: Performance and learning
Speech acts: Teaching methods
Politeness Theory: Face-threatening acts (FTAs) and mitigation strategies
Politeness Theory: Performance and learning
Politeness Theory: Teaching methods
The nature of reference and co-reference: Theoretical insights
Reference and co-reference in children’s texts
Reference and co-reference: Teaching methods
Designing materials for teaching pragmatic competence
Designing materials for testing pragmatic competence

Learning Outcome

Distinguish between pragmatics, pragmatic competence and interlanguage pragmatics
Discuss critically selected concepts/theories in pragmatics
Analyse data of learners’ interlanguage
Evaluate methods of teaching and testing pragmatic competence
Design materials for teaching pragmatic competence
Plan materials for testing pragmatic competence