Course Descriptions of the classes I've taken in the past two years from the HPU Course Catalog:
Fall 2011
AL 2000: Introduction to Linguistics
AL 2000 is an introduction to the analytical study of language. We will investigate the nature of language and survey the subfields of linguistics including morphology, syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, historical linguistics, and first and second language acquisition.
AL 6000: Introduction to TESOL
This course initiates the graduate student into the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The course introduces major theories of second language acquisition and covers the key concepts and approaches in second language learning, second language teaching, and second language use. Basic principles of both qualitative and quantitative research in TESOL will also be explored.
AL 6600: Seminar in Second/Foreign Language Teaching: Discourse Analysis for Language Teachers
This course introduces students to a major approach in the analysis of spoken language in context, conversation analysis. Students will learn key theoretical and methodological concepts and develop analytical skills with the goal of applying them in language teaching.
Spring 2012
AL 6110 English Phonology and the Teaching of Pronunciation
An advanced course in English phonology for the prospective teacher of spoken English. Topics include the sound system of North American English, the interaction of the sound system with listening, grammar, and orthography, and methods of teaching and improving pronunciation.
AL 6320 Language and Society
Scrutinizing the relationship between language and society, this course applies such findings to the language---teaching situation. Topics include variation based on social class, ethnic group, gender, region, and content. Additional topics may include one or more of the following: language planning, bilingualism, pidgin/creole languages, and English as a world language.
AL 6730 Assessment in TESOL
This is a course in the principles and practices of evaluation in language learning and teaching. While classroom use of teacher-made tests is emphasized, other topics include program and institutional testing, methods of evaluation without tests, and teacher and program evaluation. Students develop, administer, and evaluate tests.
Fall 2012
AL 6120 English Syntax and the Teaching of Grammar
An advanced, practical course in English syntax for the prospective teacher of English, using the framework of transformational grammar to analyze problems of non-native speakers in acquiring English syntax. Also included are pedagogical considerations to deal with these difficulties.
AL 6715 Second Language Reading
This course examines both pedagogical and research issues in the teaching of second language reading across a range of educational contexts. Topics include first and second language literacy, selection and adaptation of materials, intensive and extensive reading, building vocabulary and fluency, syllabus design, lesson planning, and the assessment of reading skills.
AL 6740 Research & Issues in Computer—Assisted Language Learning
Investigates current research in CALL and explores methods of using CALL and video in language teaching. Students conduct a critical review of commercially available language learning materials and develop classroom activities that incorporate CALL.
AL 6961 Practicum I in TESOL
AL 6961 Practicum I offers the MATESOL students opportunities to observe, participate, and assist in ESL classes. Students will also complete one of more professional development projects under the direction of an ESL professional in areas such as research, materials adaptation and/or development, program administration, or CALL. The individual student’s background is considered in designing the practicum.
Spring 2013
AL 6710 Methods of Teaching Oral/Aural
This course is a seminar in the teaching of oral/aural skills to second or foreign language learners. Students will be responsible for contributing to and participating in class sessions. They will have opportunities to experiment with classroom methods and practices in the relative safety of the classroom with their peers, putting into practice what has been learned in this and previous courses. Students will write lesson plans, learn ways of teaching vocabulary and grammar in the oral mode, learn to teach and remediate pronunciation and how to ensure adequate presentation of listening materials. Group work will be emphasized.
AL 6962 Practicum II in TESOL
Supervised practice teaching in a Honolulu-area ESL program or, if specific criteria are met, in another English language program. The individual student’s background is considered in designing the practicum experience. The course includes periodic seminars and assembly of a course notebook.
AL 7099 Capstone Requirement
There are 3 options for the capstone requirement. The following descriptions are derived from HPU’s 2011-2012 MATESOL Manual:
1. The MATESOL Portfolio - subsumes two different choices:
a. Type 1: Standard Portfolio – is divided into two main sections. The NARRATIVE tells the story of who you are and what you have learned in the MA TESOL program. A set of APPENDIXES displays your best work. (For a complete summary, refer to Section 7, pp. 10-13, in the 2011-2012 MA TESOL Manual.)
ED 6430 The English Language Learner
An introduction to teaching strategies that facilitate an effective learning experience for English Language Learners. Major areas of focus include curriculum theory and practice, instructional design, classroom and lab management, and assessment techniques.
AL 2000: Introduction to Linguistics
AL 2000 is an introduction to the analytical study of language. We will investigate the nature of language and survey the subfields of linguistics including morphology, syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, historical linguistics, and first and second language acquisition.
AL 6000: Introduction to TESOL
This course initiates the graduate student into the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The course introduces major theories of second language acquisition and covers the key concepts and approaches in second language learning, second language teaching, and second language use. Basic principles of both qualitative and quantitative research in TESOL will also be explored.
AL 6600: Seminar in Second/Foreign Language Teaching: Discourse Analysis for Language Teachers
This course introduces students to a major approach in the analysis of spoken language in context, conversation analysis. Students will learn key theoretical and methodological concepts and develop analytical skills with the goal of applying them in language teaching.
Spring 2012
AL 6110 English Phonology and the Teaching of Pronunciation
An advanced course in English phonology for the prospective teacher of spoken English. Topics include the sound system of North American English, the interaction of the sound system with listening, grammar, and orthography, and methods of teaching and improving pronunciation.
AL 6320 Language and Society
Scrutinizing the relationship between language and society, this course applies such findings to the language---teaching situation. Topics include variation based on social class, ethnic group, gender, region, and content. Additional topics may include one or more of the following: language planning, bilingualism, pidgin/creole languages, and English as a world language.
AL 6730 Assessment in TESOL
This is a course in the principles and practices of evaluation in language learning and teaching. While classroom use of teacher-made tests is emphasized, other topics include program and institutional testing, methods of evaluation without tests, and teacher and program evaluation. Students develop, administer, and evaluate tests.
Fall 2012
AL 6120 English Syntax and the Teaching of Grammar
An advanced, practical course in English syntax for the prospective teacher of English, using the framework of transformational grammar to analyze problems of non-native speakers in acquiring English syntax. Also included are pedagogical considerations to deal with these difficulties.
AL 6715 Second Language Reading
This course examines both pedagogical and research issues in the teaching of second language reading across a range of educational contexts. Topics include first and second language literacy, selection and adaptation of materials, intensive and extensive reading, building vocabulary and fluency, syllabus design, lesson planning, and the assessment of reading skills.
AL 6740 Research & Issues in Computer—Assisted Language Learning
Investigates current research in CALL and explores methods of using CALL and video in language teaching. Students conduct a critical review of commercially available language learning materials and develop classroom activities that incorporate CALL.
AL 6961 Practicum I in TESOL
AL 6961 Practicum I offers the MATESOL students opportunities to observe, participate, and assist in ESL classes. Students will also complete one of more professional development projects under the direction of an ESL professional in areas such as research, materials adaptation and/or development, program administration, or CALL. The individual student’s background is considered in designing the practicum.
Spring 2013
AL 6710 Methods of Teaching Oral/Aural
This course is a seminar in the teaching of oral/aural skills to second or foreign language learners. Students will be responsible for contributing to and participating in class sessions. They will have opportunities to experiment with classroom methods and practices in the relative safety of the classroom with their peers, putting into practice what has been learned in this and previous courses. Students will write lesson plans, learn ways of teaching vocabulary and grammar in the oral mode, learn to teach and remediate pronunciation and how to ensure adequate presentation of listening materials. Group work will be emphasized.
AL 6962 Practicum II in TESOL
Supervised practice teaching in a Honolulu-area ESL program or, if specific criteria are met, in another English language program. The individual student’s background is considered in designing the practicum experience. The course includes periodic seminars and assembly of a course notebook.
AL 7099 Capstone Requirement
There are 3 options for the capstone requirement. The following descriptions are derived from HPU’s 2011-2012 MATESOL Manual:
1. The MATESOL Portfolio - subsumes two different choices:
a. Type 1: Standard Portfolio – is divided into two main sections. The NARRATIVE tells the story of who you are and what you have learned in the MA TESOL program. A set of APPENDIXES displays your best work. (For a complete summary, refer to Section 7, pp. 10-13, in the 2011-2012 MA TESOL Manual.)
ED 6430 The English Language Learner
An introduction to teaching strategies that facilitate an effective learning experience for English Language Learners. Major areas of focus include curriculum theory and practice, instructional design, classroom and lab management, and assessment techniques.