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Jim Askham, pamela rogerson revell, Agneta M-L Svalberg, Glenn Fulcher, Nick Smith, Julie Norton, Jim K, Rachel Tunstall, Jim King, jeff stanford, and Geoff Jordan

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for: You can use the hashtag #FLlinguistics to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for: You can use the hashtag #FLlinguistics to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • Have you ever met an applied linguist?
  • Language and the big decisions in life
  • Inspiring language learning
  • The social role of pronunciation
  • Investigating language in use
  • Joining the Applied Linguistics and TESOL community at Leicester
  • anyone interested in linguistics and language teaching, and thinking of a career in these fields
  • people considering a postgraduate degree in applied linguistics or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • professionals already working in applied linguistics or related fields, who want an update on current thinking and practice.

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Reviews summary

Introduction to applied linguistics and tesol

According to learners, this course serves as an excellent positive introduction to applied linguistics and TESOL, particularly for those considering further study or a career in the field. Many found the lectures and materials engaging and appreciated the way complex concepts were introduced. It's seen as a solid foundation and a valuable taster for postgraduate programs offered by the university. While some praised the depth, others noted that the readings could be dense or that some areas felt more introductory than others. Overall, it is widely regarded as a useful and inspiring starting point.
Strongly rooted in academic principles.
"The course has a strong academic flavor, which is great if you're heading towards further study."
"Expect a focus on theoretical concepts and research methods, typical of a university introduction."
"It felt very much like a foundational university course, which suited my needs perfectly."
Excellent for considering university programs.
"This course was an excellent taster for the Masters program at Leicester. It definitely solidified my interest."
"Highly recommend if you're thinking about postgraduate study in this area. Gives you a good feel for the university's approach."
"Helped me decide that applied linguistics is the right path for me for further education."
Lectures and topics were interesting and well-presented.
"The video lectures were very engaging and the instructors clearly passionate about the subject."
"Loved the diverse topics covered, especially the segments on language and big life decisions – really thought-provoking."
"Found the material presented in an interesting and digestible way. Kept my attention throughout."
"The social role of pronunciation module was particularly fascinating and well explained."
Provides a strong foundation for newcomers.
"This course provides a great introduction to the world of applied linguistics and TESOL. It's a fantastic starting point..."
"Found this to be a solid and engaging introduction to the field. Perfect for someone like me just starting out."
"Really appreciated the way the basics were covered thoroughly, making it accessible for beginners."
"I felt this course gave me a very clear overview of the key areas in applied linguistics."
Some required readings were challenging.
"While the lectures were accessible, some of the suggested readings felt quite dense and required significant effort to fully grasp."
"Found some of the academic papers challenging to get through without additional support or background."
"The depth in readings was sometimes overwhelming for an introductory course."

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Applied Linguistics and TESOL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 37 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Applied Linguistics and TESOL.
Is widely recommended as a comprehensive introduction to phonetics and phonology, making it excellent for gaining a broad understanding. It covers the physical production of speech sounds as well as more abstract concepts like phonemes and syllables. It is suitable for beginners and includes exercises and online materials, making it a valuable resource for both students and teachers.
Offers a detailed survey of Second Language Acquisition, examining various theoretical perspectives and research findings. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of how second languages are learned. It is an excellent resource for those pursuing further academic study.
A widely used textbook in SLA courses, this book provides a thorough overview of the field, integrating research from various disciplines. It is ideal for students seeking a comprehensive introduction and valuable reference tool due to its breadth of coverage. The second edition includes updated research and new sections.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language use, covering topics such as the social and cultural contexts of language use, the cognitive processes involved in language production and comprehension, and the role of language in communication.
A concise and clear introduction to Second Language Acquisition (SLA), this book covers key concepts and theories. It's particularly useful for undergraduate students or those new to the field seeking a solid foundation. It provides necessary background knowledge for more advanced topics.
This comprehensive guide to second language teaching methods and approaches provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in the field. It valuable resource for both novice and experienced teachers.
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides a wide range of information on all aspects of English language teaching. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the field.
This comprehensive text explores the connections between linguistics and language learning and teaching. It delves into various areas of applied linguistics relevant to language learning, making it valuable for those wanting to deepen their understanding of the practical applications of linguistic theory. The third edition includes new chapters on multilingualism and forensic linguistics.
Explores the psychological processes involved in language, including acquisition, comprehension, and production. It provides a deeper understanding of the cognitive aspects of language learning, making it relevant for those interested in the mental mechanisms behind language acquisition. The fourth edition includes the latest research and updated coverage of key ideas.
This comprehensive book provides a detailed description of the sounds found in a wide variety of the world's languages. It is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a broad understanding of phonetic diversity and can deepen the understanding of pronunciation by providing a global perspective.
Examines the impact of technology on language learning and teaching. It addresses contemporary topics such as online learning, digital tools, and new approaches to language education in a digital environment. It's highly relevant given the prevalence of online language courses.
This introduction covers both phonetics and phonology, offering a broad understanding of the sound systems of languages. It is accessible for students new to the topic and serves as a good starting point before delving into more specialized areas. It can be a helpful background reading for various pronunciation courses.
Considered an authoritative text on Standard British English pronunciation, this book provides detailed information on the sounds, history, and recent changes in RP. It's a valuable reference for those focusing on a specific accent and offers depth for advanced learners and professionals.
Focuses on the strategies that language learners use to facilitate their learning. It's a practical resource for both learners and educators, offering insights into effective approaches to language study. It complements theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Provides an overview of various language teaching methods and their underlying principles. It's a valuable resource for understanding the history and evolution of language teaching practices, offering practical insights for educators. The third edition includes a new chapter on using digital technology.
Provides a thorough overview of reading in a second language, covering theoretical models, research findings, and pedagogical applications. It key resource for understanding the complexities of developing reading skills in a new language. The third edition includes updated research and new sections.
This practical guide to teaching English as a foreign language provides a wealth of tips and techniques for teachers. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of TESOL methodology, covering a wide range of topics from lesson planning to assessment. It valuable resource for both novice and experienced teachers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in TESOL. It valuable resource for anyone interested in conducting research in the field.
Focuses on the concept of learner autonomy, a key aspect of effective language learning. It provides theoretical background and practical strategies for fostering independent learning skills. This is highly relevant to contemporary approaches in language education that emphasize learner agency.
Dives into the physiological processes involved in producing speech sounds, offering a deeper understanding of articulatory phonetics. It is suitable for those who want to go beyond basic pronunciation guides and understand the mechanics of speech. It can be a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers.
Key text for understanding the phonology of intonation. It delves into the theoretical aspects of how intonation patterns are structured in language. It is most suitable for graduate students and researchers specializing in phonology and prosody.
Focuses on the practical aspects of teaching and learning pronunciation. It offers pedagogical approaches and classroom activities, making it particularly relevant for language teachers and those interested in the application of phonetic principles in educational settings.
Examines the use of language in intercultural communication, exploring how language can both facilitate and hinder communication between people from different cultures.
Focusing specifically on English pronunciation, this book provides an introduction to phonetics and phonology relevant for language learners and teachers. It offers practical guidance and activities for improving pronunciation skills.
Based on British English, this book offers a practical approach to phonology and pronunciation. It's often recommended for teachers and learners alike, providing a solid foundation in the sounds of English.
Explores the motivations and cognitive aspects of language learning for a general audience. It provides an accessible entry point into understanding the benefits and processes of becoming multilingual, offering insights relevant to anyone embarking on language learning.
Explores the intonation and prosodic structure of various languages, offering insights into a key aspect of pronunciation beyond individual sounds. It's relevant for those interested in the rhythm and melody of speech and can be a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers in linguistics.
Aimed at advanced learners, this book provides in-depth practice and focus on nuanced aspects of English pronunciation. It's a valuable resource for those looking to refine their pronunciation skills to a high level and can be used for self-study or in a classroom setting.
Explores the diversity and evolution of languages around the world. It provides a fascinating broader context for language learning by illustrating how languages change and adapt. It's a good resource for gaining a wider appreciation for linguistic diversity.
Explores the cultural aspects of communication and language use, highlighting how cultural differences can lead to 'language shock'. It provides valuable insights into the sociolinguistic dimensions of language learning and using language in real-world contexts.
Focuses on American English pronunciation and integrates listening comprehension practice. It is designed for learners and provides clear explanations and exercises to improve intelligibility. It's a practical resource for those specifically targeting an American accent.
While not directly about language learning methodology, this book discusses the rise and impact of English as a dominant global language. It provides valuable context for understanding the motivations and contexts of many language learners today, particularly those focusing on English. It offers a broader, sociolinguistic perspective.
Provides a comparative approach to English pronunciation, covering British, American, and other World Englishes. It is useful for understanding the variations in pronunciation across different English accents and can deepen a learner's awareness of phonetic differences.
Offers an accessible introduction to phonetics for beginners. It's a good resource for high school students or those in introductory undergraduate courses who need to grasp the fundamental concepts of speech sounds without a highly technical approach.

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