This optional module is tailored for MA TESOL and MA Drama Education and English Language Teaching (DELT) students aiming to specialize in teaching drama and literature in TESOL. It explores theories, concepts, and methodologies related to using drama and literature for English language teaching, including digital options like storytelling. The module emphasizes the value of engaging learners in improvised drama and delves into the use of various literary forms (e.g., poetry, fiction) as resources. Students develop skills in reflective practice, materials creation, and research planning, addressing contextual factors and diverse learner needs. The syllabus covers topics like response-based teaching, active drama, and the integration of digital tools. The module promotes critical awareness, effective pedagogy, and teacher development.
The module aims to provide a thorough grounding in relevant theories, concepts and methodologies relating to use of drama and literature for English language teaching. More specifically, the module aims to explore, for example, digital options for teaching English through literature and drama (e.g. digital storytelling), as well as the value and use of engaging learners in improvised drama work. In terms of the literature focused module component, an aim will be to engage students in exploring the value and use of a variety of types of poetry (e.g. Haiku) and fiction (e.g. short fiction; 'fan fiction') as resources for the TESOL classroom and the development of learners' writing, reading, listening and speaking/communication skills. The value and use of song for English language teaching and learning purposes will also be considered (e.g. in connection with teaching young language learners). The module further aims to 1) raise critical awareness of contextual factors affecting drama and literature use in foreign/second language classrooms; 2) provide pedagogical insights into how to manage these contextual factors; 3) promote effective English language teacher CPD; and 4) to highlight issues for possible dissertation research or areas for future professional inquiry.
The module aims to:
- Provide rigorous instruction in phonetics and phonology as core domains of linguistics, in line with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education Subject Benchmark Statement.
- Expand on concepts introduced during ET118: Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to build core knowledge and skills for students in all fields of language study.
- Introduce methodologies from a range of linguistic disciplines to document, study, and analyse language data.
- Engage students in linguistic analysis within a language and cross-linguistically, both synchronically and diachronically.