Introduction to Applied Linguistics and TESOL (FutureLearn)

You’ll explore real-world examples of applied linguistics, such as forensic linguistics and language assessment. You’ll look at the field’s impact on important issues - for example, reducing gender bias in language use and simplifying legal language.

You’ll find out what applied linguists do through a series of case studies. Specialists will work through problems and show you applied linguistic research methods to solve them.
What topics will you cover?

- 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

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

- Demonstrate understanding of the key areas of applied linguistics and how these can be related to language teaching and learning.

- Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of applied linguistics, including language structure, language acquisition and language use in relation to culture, society, communication.

- Explore the role of language within the broader field of communication, particularly in language teaching and learning.

- Collect language data, organize it appropriately, and carry out initial linguistic analysis of that data.

- Reflect on and value diverse perspectives on language use and language users in society.

- Contribute knowledgeably to discussions on contemporary linguistic issues in a multilingual society.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for:

- 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.