Course Code: TESL 5002
Academic Year: 2023-2024
In this course, students will begin to understand how language teachers conceptualize, describe, and understand language in general and English in particular. While the course is theoretical, attention is paid to how the theories apply to language teaching. Areas of study include sound systems and pronunciation (phonology), word structure (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics & vocabulary), along with the place and perceptions of language in society (sociolinguistics). These topics are studied through observation of, analysis of, and experimentation with language; discussions; assigned readings; lectures; and independent study. A theoretical study of language is required for TESL-Ontario certification. Understanding how language works as a system and in society is fundamental to language teaching. It also allows graduates to effectively participate in the TESL community and find and use available resources. The course provides a foundation for success in other areas of the program, particularly Pedagogical Grammar 1 and 2, and Introduction to Language 2.