Contemporary Approaches to English as a Global Language

Code: LLT14738M

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Linguistics, Literature, Culture

Teaching languages: Portuguese, English

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Igualdade de género - Alcançar a igualdade de gênero e empoderar todas as mulheres e meninas.

Trabalho digno e crescimento económico - Promover o crescimento económico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo, e trabalho decente para todos.

Reduzir as desigualdades - Reduzir as desigualdades dentro dos países e entre eles.

Learning Goals

This curricular unit introduces the different branches of English language and descriptive linguistics (phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax) from an international perspective of written and oral discourse in different individual and social contexts. At the end of the course, students will be able to: (1) develop communicative skills (linguistic, sociolinguistic and pragmatic), as a proficient user of the English language (CEFR C1); (2) recognize international varieties of English, both standard and non-standard; (3) expand sociocultural knowledge, intercultural awareness and existential competence (attitudes, values, motivations, beliefs), which contribute to the creation of the multiple identities of English language speakers in international contexts.

1. Current paradigms and models of English as a global language: English as a Native/Second/Foreign Language (ENL/ESL/EFL), English as an International Language (EIL), English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), World Englishes (WE);
2. A critical analysis of standard and non-standard English (phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax): international varieties;
3. The English learner/users attitudes, identity and language ownership: native speakerism, gender, race and decolonialism;
4. The English language and individual and societal bi/multilingualism: linguistic, educational and social aspects.

Teaching Methods

The topics to be dealt with throughout the course will be examined through theoretical exposition and practical activities. The methodological approaches will be based on the communicative needs of the students and adapted to their characteristics as future teachers of the English language: direct exposure to authentic use of the language and to specially selected oral and written texts; direct participation in communicative interaction and specially designed tasks; combination of presentations, explanations, and exploration activities. Students will be assigned reading tasks on each of the program topics and will be expected to demonstrate commitment to classroom discussions.

Assessment

Students may choose between two modes of assessment: (i) continuous assessment or (ii) final assessment, in accordance with the academic regulations of the University of Evora (RAUÉ). The continuous assessment will be done through practical written and/or oral works (40%), and the elaboration and presentation of an end-of-semester written/oral research project (60%), which aims to apply the concepts acquired throughout the semester. Final assessment will be done through a written exam (100%) at a time to be scheduled by the course committee.