Module overview
The module introduces the foundations of corpus linguistics and the role of corpus linguistics in language teaching, which plays an increasingly important role in TESOL. The theoretical underpinnings of data-driven learning and diverse applications of corpus linguistics in language teaching are explored. The module will also enable students to gain practical skills in using corpora and corpus tools to increase their language awareness and inform their language teaching practices and materials.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- critically evaluate a wide range of professional/ authentic materials from different sources
- adapt and use information technology independently
- relate linguistics to teaching practice
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- evaluate and discuss the academic literature on data-driven language learning
- critically assess the role of corpus linguistics in language teaching
- adapt and design data-driven language learning using corpora and corpus tools in their own contexts
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- use corpora and corpus tools to increase language awareness
- apply the principles of data-driven learning to teaching languages
- use data-driven learning in diverse teaching contexts
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- key concepts and methodological foundations of corpus linguistics
- applications of data-driven language learning using corpora and corpus tools
- theoretical underpinnings of data-driven language learning and teaching
Syllabus
The module’s indicative content will include
- spoken and written corpora, learner corpora;
- the role of corpus linguistics in TESOL;
- data-driven language learning and teaching;
- using corpora and corpus tools to increase language awareness and teach languages;
- designing corpus-informed language teaching resources and activities.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods involve
- lecturer presentations;
- workshops;
- discussion of articles and book chapters;
- group and pair activities and exercises.
Learning activities involve
- reading and evaluating articles and book chapters;
- student-led workshops in groups;
- group and pair work/discussion.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Teaching | 24 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
Farr, F., & Leńko‐Szymańska, A. (2023). Corpora in English language teacher education: Research, integration, and resources. TESOL Quarterly.
Lee, J. J. (2023). Corpora, locally sourced: An approach to addressing the specific needs of ESL writing programs. TESOL Quarterly.
Textbooks
McEnery, T. & Hardie, A. (2012). Corpus linguistics: Method, theory and practice. Cambridge University Press.
Viana, V. (2023). Teaching English with corpora: A resource book. Routledge.
Pérez-Paredes. P. & Mark, G. (2021). Beyond concordance lines: Corpora in language education. John Benjamins.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Report | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Report | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Report | 100% |