Introduction to Course:

This course provides a general introduction to applied linguistics. Theoretical and applied issues will be discussed through the analysis of fragments of how language is structured and used. The course will enable the students to understand the application of linguistic knowledge to solve real-life problems like language teaching and learning, syllabus design, language planning, etc. So, this course is a gateway to the field of applied linguistics. It will introduce students to different methods adopted throughout the tradition of language teaching to teach language at the same time probing into the approaches, linguistic or psychological, that backed them. Moreover, with the help of the applied contents of language teaching, the students will be able to practice the contents like analysis of errors and make them prepare for the students. The students will be able to know the existing syllabuses being practice and they will be able to experiment with the current syllabus through the course.

Aims and Objectives:

This course has the following objectives:

·       To provide a broader background about the field of applied linguistics in general

·       To familiarize students with common concepts and terminologies within the field, and how this area of research informs language learning and vice versa

·       To introduce students to some of the key debates in applied linguistics in the different subfields. In addition to being introduced to the major areas of applied linguistics, students will be expected to develop critical reading abilities, assessing the merits of different philosophical positions and the nature of the evidence in support of each position

Course Prerequisite knowledge and skills:

Students are expected to demonstrate some quality writing skills on the first day of class. While I will provide feedback on writing throughout the semester, I expect students to be knowledgeable of grammar rules, essay structure, and proper citation styles.

• Students may use APA style in this course to cite sources: http://www.apastyle.org/learn/quickguide-on-references.aspx or http://www.bibme.org/citation-guide/apa/.
• Students may check their grammar using: https://www.grammarly.com/

System of Evaluation: Course Requirement and Assessment Scheme

1. A mid-term paper (5-6 pages) is assigned: 30%. 

2. The final Term exam will be after week 16, based on the topics discussed in the live sessions of the class meeting; 50%. The exam will ask students to apply some basic concepts and/or conceptual framework that they will have learned in the course and discuss topics they are interested in.

They will be encouraged to conduct short and easily manageable empirical investigations. Specific guidelines for the assignment and exam will be given in the class.

3. Two in-class quizzes (weeks 7 and week 13), assessing comprehension of the assigned reading materials: 10%

4. Attendance and participation: 10%

Course Expectations:

The course is being delivered online via the Zoom platform. Assessments will include project-based work, discussions, and quizzes. Students are expected to follow a weekly outline that is found on the Home page of the course. The outline provides materials and opportunities to engage and practice the information learned in sequential steps that ultimately lead to the goals and objectives of the course. Within each week’s outline, you will find the week’s topic, learning objectives, lecture, readings, and assignments. Course Outline is uploaded in Course Material.

Required Textbooks

1. Davies, A., & Elder, C. (Eds.). (2008). The handbook of applied linguistics. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
2. Schmitt, N. (Ed.). (2013). An introduction to applied linguistics (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge

Suggested Readings

1. Cook, V., & Wei, L. (Eds.). (2009). Contemporary applied linguistics: Language teaching and learning (vol. 1). London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
2. Hall, G. (2017). Exploring English language teaching: Language in action (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.
3. Grabe, W., & Kaplan, R. B. (2014). Theory and practice of writing: An applied linguistic perspective. New York: Routledge.

Textbooks and PPTs/Handouts:

• Required Textbook(s) and PPTs/Handouts are provided in Course Material.