Last modified: 14 Aug 2026 11:46
This is an introductory course into the workings of the English language, and it also involves a focus on how to teach linguistic aspects introduced during the lectures and seminars.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course primarily focuses on developing a foundational understanding of key concepts in English phonetics, phonology, semantics, morphology, and syntax. Such knowledge is essential for engaging with research in TESOL and second language acquisition, as well as for effective lesson planning and the integration of theory and practice. For instance, comparative analysis and an understanding of syntactic and phonological variation between a learner’s first language (L1) and second language (L2) can enable students to identify potential challenges faced by L2 learners, such as difficulties with grammatical structures or the pronunciation of phonemes absent from their L1, and vice versa.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 35 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 13,14 | Feedback Weeks | 17 | |
| Feedback |
Students will be given their grade and feedback online through the MyAberdeen course area. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Critically reflect on the role of core linguistics concepts in understanding empirical studies in SLA. |
| Factual | Understand | Develop an in-depth understanding of the foundations of English language and linguistics. |
| Procedural | Apply | Demonstrate a critical understanding of core linguistic concepts and apply second language acquisition (SLA) theories to EFL/ESL classroom practice. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Understand and evaluate how basic linguistic principles affect and enhance approaches and attitudes to EFL/ESL teaching. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 | Feedback Weeks | 20 | |
| Feedback |
Duration: 10-12 minutes (approx.) |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Critically reflect on the role of core linguistics concepts in understanding empirical studies in SLA. |
| Factual | Understand | Develop an in-depth understanding of the foundations of English language and linguistics. |
| Procedural | Apply | Demonstrate a critical understanding of core linguistic concepts and apply second language acquisition (SLA) theories to EFL/ESL classroom practice. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Understand and evaluate how basic linguistic principles affect and enhance approaches and attitudes to EFL/ESL teaching. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 45 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 19,20 | Feedback Weeks | 24 | |
| Feedback |
Students will be given their grade and feedback online through the MyAberdeen course area. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Critically reflect on the role of core linguistics concepts in understanding empirical studies in SLA. |
| Factual | Understand | Develop an in-depth understanding of the foundations of English language and linguistics. |
| Procedural | Apply | Demonstrate a critical understanding of core linguistic concepts and apply second language acquisition (SLA) theories to EFL/ESL classroom practice. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Understand and evaluate how basic linguistic principles affect and enhance approaches and attitudes to EFL/ESL teaching. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
The resit will be scheduled to take place in Half Session 2 (Jan to April). This will ensure that students have the opportunity to obtain the required credits to progress to the summer portfolio or research project, as appropriate. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Evaluate | Understand and evaluate how basic linguistic principles affect and enhance approaches and attitudes to EFL/ESL teaching. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Critically reflect on the role of core linguistics concepts in understanding empirical studies in SLA. |
| Procedural | Apply | Demonstrate a critical understanding of core linguistic concepts and apply second language acquisition (SLA) theories to EFL/ESL classroom practice. |
| Factual | Understand | Develop an in-depth understanding of the foundations of English language and linguistics. |
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