English for Specific Purposes

Singapore University of Social Sciences

English for Specific Purposes (TSL567)

Synopsis

TSL 567 English for Specific Purposes provides students with theoretical insights into the use of English for specific and specialised purposes (ESP), and discusses the implications for teaching ESP in various situations. The process of course development and the framework for evaluating ESP courses are examined critically. This is followed by the practical concerns of designing and evaluating specific ESP curriculum documents and teaching materials.

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

Introduction: Defining ESP; Areas in ESP
Analysing needs
Investigating specialist discourse: Descriptions of specialist discourse
Investigating specialist discourse: Approaches; roles of teachers and course developers
An insider’s look at the development of an ESP course: Principles and processes
An insider’s look at the development of an ESP course: Implementation and evaluation
ESP course development: Designing the curriculum and materials
ESP course development: Reviewing the curriculum and materials
Case Study 1: English for the police
Case Study 2: English for medical doctors
Case Study 3: English for Visual Arts students
Case Study 4: English for thesis writing

Learning Outcome

Contrast various areas of study in ESP
Examine critically the process of ESP course development
Discuss critically the framework for analysing ESP projects
Critique case studies of projects in various areas of ESP
Evaluate ESP curriculum and materials using a prescribed framework that incorporates considerations of language, learning and teaching
Design an ESP curriculum and materials for a specific group of learners in a particular area in ESP