Rationale ^TOP

In the study of language, some of the most interesting questions arise when we examine the way language is used in real contexts rather than in the separate study of its grammatical, phonological and semantic components. When we, as language users and teachers, attempt to make sense of what we read and hear around us by connecting the key elements of text structure and meaning together, we are undertaking discourse analysis.

The overall aim of the discourse analyst is to gain a better understanding of how people communicate by examining the features of natural discourse. These features may well be different from what language teachers and textbook writers have assumed from their personal intuitions about language. Thus, with a clearer picture of natural discourse, language teachers will be in a better position to evaluate what and how they currently teach, and to improve on what they do in the classroom.

Objectives ^TOP

The objectives of the course are to:

• present a brief historical overview of the subject;
  


• examine different models of discourse analysis in terms of their usefulness for language teachers;
  


• discuss teaching approaches based on the insights of discourse analysis ;

Course Content ^TOP

(a) The scope of discourse analysis;

(b) Speech acts and discourse structures;

(c) The role of context in interpretation;

(d) Text types;

(e) Spoken discourse: models of analysis;

(f) Written discourse: models of analysis;

(g) Relevance of discourse analysis to language teaching;

 

Assessment ^TOP

Participants will be asked to analyze an oral and written text using models of analysis presented in the course

Course Requirements ^TOP

To complete the course successfully, a candidate must:

1. satisfy class attendance requirements;



2. attain a satisfactory standard in required course work;



3. complete an assignment.

Course Award ^TOP

The course will lead to the award of Specialist Certificate in Discourse Analysis and Language Education .

Admission Requirements ^TOP

Applicants should be Language Teachers and Textbook writers.

The candidate must have a sufficient command of English to follow advanced study conducted in the English Language and to prepare written and oral assignments. Those from non-English medium education systems must have a recent TOEFL score of at least 550 for the paper-based test or 213 for the computerized version, or an IELTS Grade 6.5.

In order to promote a useful exchange of ideas and information between countries and institutions, and to assist in carrying out the assignment, successful applicants are required to bring with them a copy each of the current curriculum and a copy of a textbook currently used at their institutions.

Fees^TOP

The following are the cost components (in Singapore dollars):

*Course fees (inclusive of GST) payable to SEAMEO Regional Language Centre.

Accommodation at the RELC International Hotel is available @ S$51 nett per night with breakfast (twin-sharing) or S$101 nett per night with breakfast (single occupancy).

Participants from outside Singapore are advised to subscribe to the Group Health Insurance Scheme at S$48.15 per month, as medical costs in the event of illness could be very high.

The provision of S$630 per month for subsistence would cover the participant’s basic living expenses while in Singapore.

The fees indicated above are subject to change at any time.

  NOTE:

(a)  RELC does not accept any responsibility for accidents on the journeys to and from Singapore, or in
     Singapore,or for the loss of baggage and other personal belongings in transit or in Singapore.

(b) RELC will also not be responsible for taking out air travel and personal accident insurance for course
     members

(c) Course participants are expected to set aside funds for the typing of assignments as part of the course requirements.

(d) Disbursement of subsistence allowance could be handled by RELC on behalf of the sponsor.

Application ^TOP

 The following forms must be duly completed and submitted:

            (a)      Application Form RELC A237/A238 (in duplicate).

            (b)      Certified copies of a valid TOEFL/IELTS result or Statement of English Language Proficiency
                      Form RELC A229 (in duplicate).

            (c)      Medical Examination Form RELC A228 (1 original and 1 copy) to be issued not more than 6 months before course commencement.

            (d)     Copies of degrees/diplomas/certificates/transcripts should accompany the application.  Where a transcript is in a language other than English, it should be                                       accompanied by a certified translation into English.

Payment of Fees ^TOP

Fees are payable before the commencement of the course.

Cheques should be crossed and made payable to the SEAMEO Regional Language Centre.

Refund of Fees ^TOP

Cancellation of enrolment by a course participant must be made in writing. Cancellation received before the commencement of the course will receive a refund less the registration fee.  Withdrawals after the course has commenced will not be eligible for refund.

Closing date ^TOP

The closing date for application is 16 February 2007.