Teaching English as a Foreign Language Sequence

The Teaching English as a Foreign Language sequence is designed to prepare individuals who are planning to teach English overseas. Participants complete a sequence of five classes designed to introduce them to techniques and methodology for effective language teaching as well as to the theory and principles that inform this practice. A practicum experience offers participants an opportunity to gain experience working with non - native speakers of English and to receive feedback from experienced teachers on their teaching.

While the sequence does not have official transcript status and is not valid for teaching English in American public schools, it does provide participants with training and a certificate which is valued by employers abroad. Once employed, participants will find they are better prepared and better able to effectively teach learners of English as a Foreign Language.

Required Courses

Students are required to take at least five of the following courses. A grade of C or higher is required for each course.

Participants must take the following:
Ling 350/351/550 - Introduction to Linguistics

• Technical introduction to linguistic principles and methods of description in the areas of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. (5/5 credits)
• Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer I

Ling 475/575 - Theories of Language Learning

• Introduction to theories of first and second language acquisition and their implications for language teaching methodology. (4/5 credits)
• Prereq: 270 or 350/351/550, or concurrent
• Offered: Fall, Summer II

• Second language teaching theory and methodology, with emphasis on teaching English as a foreign language. (4/5 credits)
• Prereq: 475/575 or concurrent
• Offered: Winter, Summer I

Ling 482/582 - Materials in TEFL

• Theory and practice of analysis, evaluation, and creation of instructional materials for teaching English as a foreign language. (4/5 credits)
• Prereq: 480/580
• Offered: Spring, Summer II

Ling 410/510 - Practicum in TEFL

• Practice in the teaching of English as a second or foreign language under faculty supervision. (3/3 credits)
• Prereq: 480/580 or 482/582
• Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer I & Summer II (5-week and 10-week options)