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MILE

International Language Education

MILE 5001
Second Language Acquisition
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5001
Description
Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is a multidisciplinary research field that provides researchers and educators with a better understanding of how a second language (L2) is learnt. This course will introduce different approaches to SLA research, such as psycholinguistics, neuroscience, and applied linguistics. It will cover both theoretical and pedagogical issues, with a special focus on the application of SLA theory to the L2 classroom context. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Define and evaluate the main theories of SLA and how they relate to language pedagogy.
- 2.
  Recognize the cognitive development and mechanisms in second language (L2) learning.
- 3.
  Demonstrate how socio-cultural factors affect SLA.
- 4.
  Identify sources relevant to SLA topics for future teaching preparation.
MILE 5002
Language Teaching Methodology and Curriculum Design
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5002
Description
This course aims to introduce experienced language-teaching professionals worldwide and those with language-/linguistics-based backgrounds but little or no language-teaching experience to theories and principles of teaching English as a second or foreign language, helping them construct a fundamental understanding of current theories and research in language acquisition and relate these to the practice of English language pedagogy. The course also investigates ways in which various approaches and methods can be utilized in the delivery of a foreign language curriculum and the teaching of language knowledge, including vocabulary and grammar, and both receptive and productive language skills. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Articulate important concepts related to language education.
- 2.
  Trace the development of the various language teaching approaches and methods in the 20th and 21st centuries.
- 3.
  Discuss key issues in particular language teaching situations by taking into consideration relevant contextual factors.
- 4.
  Apply and explain various principles governing curriculum design and material development for language teaching.
- 5.
  Critically analyze pedagogic designs for teaching particular aspects of a language to specifically-defined populations of language learners.
MILE 5101
Discourse Analysis
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5101
Description
This course examines how written and spoken language is used to express meaning beyond the sentence, in different larger discourse contexts. It introduces techniques for analyzing such key concepts as context, genre and register, and discusses their relevance for language pedagogy. Students will also consider how analysis of classroom discourse can inform teaching practice. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Identify a range of written and spoken text types.
- 2.
  Develop skills in analyzing the rhetorical, grammatical and lexical structure of texts.
- 3.
  Explain significant features of classroom communication.
- 4.
  Apply discourse analysis in language teaching.
MILE 5102
Information Technology in Language Teaching
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5102
Description
Technology and language has always been at the forefront of human development and civilization. Fundamental to the advancement of society are the ways that changing technologies impact and shape learning. This course explores the issues of how information technologies structure human cognition and social interaction and the ways which teachers can use these technologies to improve student learning. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Demonstrate how learning in general, and language in specific, can be enhanced through the use of information technology.
- 2.
  Describe how technologies can bridge communities and create pathways for greater interaction and social harmony.
MILE 5103
Testing and Assessment
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5103
Description
This course is aimed at raising the students' awareness level of the rudiments of effective assessment of language-related performance, such as essential global concepts of testing and assessment as well as practical skills for language teachers to develop, use and evaluate language tests. There is a balance of individual efforts and cooperative inter-dependent learning. Hence, the assessment will be contributed equally by individual work and group activities. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Summarize various types of language tests and assessments.
- 2.
  Develop classroom-oriented language assessment tools.
- 3.
  Analyze the quality of language tests in terms of validity, reliability, and difficulty.
- 4.
  Apply appropriate assessment tools for various purposes.
- 5.
  Conduct classroom-based language assessments fairly and effectively.
MILE 5104
Linguistics for Second Language Teachers
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5104
Description
This course surveys the contemporary field of linguistics, offering expert knowledge essential for language teachers. Examples drawn primarily from Chinese and English will demonstrate fundamental concepts and principles in the studies of speech sounds, words, writing, syntax, language acquisition, sociolinguistics, typology and history of languages. Attitudinal issues related to the teaching of languages, such as accents, sound change, intercultural communication and language policy, will also be discussed objectively. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Identify and define the contemporary field of linguistics as practiced in English-speaking countries, in preparation for the application of expert knowledge in effective teaching.
- 2.
  Recognize the significance of structural analysis of both English and Chinese in line with universal tendencies for natural languages.
- 3.
  Critically assess social and attitudinal issues related to the teaching of language.
- 4.
  Pursue further studies in specialty fields in linguistics.
MILE 5105
Cross-Cultural Pragmatics
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5105
Description
This course explores human language in relation to the communicative functions which it serves and the cultural context in which it is used, with special emphasis on the examination of how speech acts are realized in different ways from culture to culture, and how the differences in the ways of speaking associated with different languages can be explained and made sense of in terms of different cultural values and cultural priorities. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
MILE 5106
Contrastive Analysis between Chinese and English
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5106
Reading Material
[C] Require Chinese reading
Description
This course explores the grammar of Chinese and English from a comparative perspective, highlighting the key grammatical differences between the two languages. Students will be trained to describe and analyze the structure of a language, training which will enrich students' understanding of the grammatical categories and structure of Chinese and English while consolidating their foundational knowledge of both languages. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Explain in depth the sound and grammatical systems of Chinese and English within a functional-descriptive framework.
- 2.
  Identify the key phonological and grammatical features of Chinese and English.
- 3.
  Describe and explain the key features with concepts learnt in class.
MILE 5201
World Englishes
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5201
Description
The position of English as a global language is commonly asserted. This course will examine the complex web of circumstances which lie behind the assertion. The presumption of the course is that it is useful and possibly essential for teachers of English to know something of the life story of the language, its varieties and place in the world at the beginning of the 21st century. A significant part of the course will examine, through the medium of seminars and workshops, how the global nature of the language can be exploited in teaching and learning environments. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Describe the outline of the journey of English from dialect to world language.
- 2.
  Recognize the status of English as a global language from a multidisciplinary perspective.
- 3.
  Apply knowledge learned from the course to practical use in the context of language teaching.
MILE 5202
Teaching Second Language Vocabulary
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5202
Description
This course examines the factors involved in developing second language (L2) learners' acquisition of English vocabulary. It covers three main areas: (a) words and the description of the vocabulary content of an English curriculum, (b) the representation of L2 vocabulary in the mental lexicon and related acquisitor issues, and (c) approaches to teaching L2 vocabulary. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Describe the internal structure of English words and the main lexical relations.
- 2.
  Recognize how second language vocabulary is acquired.
- 3.
  Identify factors that contribute to successful vocabulary acquisition.
- 4.
  Evaluate the merits of different approaches for teaching L2 vocabulary.
MILE 5203
Phonetics and Phonology for English Teachers
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5203
Description
This course provides students with a systematic approach to understanding and using the English sound system. The topics covered include segmental phonology (consonants, consonant clusters, vowels and diphthongs) and suprasegmental features such as word and sentence stress and intonation. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
MILE 5204
English Yesterday and Today
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5204
Description
This course offers an overview of how English has developed and is developing, with a focus on the varieties of the language spoken around the world. Hotly debated issues of contemporary grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation will be discussed in their historical and current contexts. Each student will undertake a practical investigation on a developmental aspect of modern English. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
MILE 5205
Grammar for English Teachers
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5205
Description
This course presents an overview of English grammar and focuses on the structural features that are often difficult for second language learners to acquire. It draws on both traditional and functional approaches, and uses a range of activities to help students apply the grammatical concepts and terms introduced in the analysis of learners' writing and teaching materials. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Explain and apply the key concepts and terms of English grammar.
- 2.
  Analyze how language works at the sentence and discourse levels.
- 3.
  Evaluate how grammatical resources are used to create authentic and learner texts.
- 4.
  Explain and correct grammatical errors commonly made by second language learners.
- 5.
  Evaluate the effectiveness of various grammar teaching methods/approaches.
- 6.
  Design contextualized, text-based grammar teaching activities.
MILE 5206
Teaching English for Academic Purposes
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5206
Description
This course is intended for students who wish to teach English for Academic Purposes, such as university language teachers who need to develop learner's academic literacy in order to cope with the demands of studying through the medium of English. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Recognize the roles, responsibilities and identities of EAP teachers within different educational contexts.
- 2.
  Analyze and explain the nature of academic discourse, both spoken and written.
- 3.
  Adapt and create authentic EAP/ESP materials to develop learners' academic literacy.
- 4.
  Demonstrate critical decision making and evaluation of teaching practices in EAP.
- 5.
  Design syllabus and teaching materials based on needs analysis.
MILE 5207
Teaching English for Specific Purposes
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5207
Description
This course is intended for students who aim to teach programs that support students studying at tertiary level in English or adult learners who need to learn English related to their specific needs, in particular job-related English. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
MILE 5301
Chinese Writing System
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5301
Reading Material
[C] Require Chinese reading
Description
An advanced-level study of the Chinese writing system covering its origin, development, classification and characteristics. Students will learn a newly-developed framework, i.e., the three-principle theory of Chinese script, by which thousands of characters from the earliest oracle bone inscriptions to the modern form of the script can be appropriately analyzed and classified. This course also offers a critical survey of important issues related to Chinese script in modern times, including simplification, Romanization (Latinization), acquisition, recognition, and adaptability to various Sinitic and Sinosphere languages, taking into consideration research in general linguistics, sociolinguistics, heritage history, and cognitive science. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Systematically explain how the Chinese script originated and developed.
- 2.
  Analyze Chinese characters and classify them into different categories in accordance with the three-principle theory.
- 3.
  Define the characteristics of Chinese script in its various styles, including the oracle bone inscriptions (jiaguwen), bronze inscriptions (jinwen), clerical script (lishu) and standard script (kaishu).
- 4.
  Analyze unbiasedly and critically the drawbacks and advantages of the Chinese script with regard to its reform, Romanization, acquisition, recognition, and role in communication.
- 5.
  Distinguish the conventional and original use of modern Chinese characters.
MILE 5302
Mandarin Chinese Grammar for L2 Chinese Teachers
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5302
Reading Material
[C] Require Chinese reading
Description
This course aims to equip students concentrating in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language with an in-depth understanding of Modern Chinese grammar, necessary skills in analyzing grammatical features of Chinese in a cognitive and functional framework, and capability of applying the knowledge and skills in practical situations of teaching Chinese to L2 learners. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Develop a cognitive and functional framework to identify, describe, and analyze major features of Chinese grammar, and convey the knowledge to L2 learners of Chinese in an accessible way.
- 2.
  Think deeply about characteristics of Chinese grammar and apply the findings to the L2 Chinese teaching and learning process.
- 3.
  Analyze and explain in English the key grammatical features of Chinese to beginners of Chinese.
MILE 5303
Phonetics and Phonology of the Chinese Language
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5303
Reading Material
[C] Require Chinese reading
Description
This course focuses on speech sounds in Standard Chinese and other Chinese dialects. Its aim is to explain how different Chinese dialects differ in their speech sounds - how Cantonese differs from Shanghainese, for example - and what they have in common. We also look at how different Chinese speech sounds are from the world's languages in general; and in what ways they are typical. This course is both a theoretical and practical introduction to Chinese phonetics and phonology. It teaches students about how speech sounds are made by the human vocal tract and how they are organized for linguistic purposes. Students will also learn how to quantify some important speech acoustics with a computer. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Quantify some important speech acoustics with a computer
- 2.
  Explain the difference between Chinese dialects in terms of speech sounds (vowels, tones and consonants).
MILE 5304
Chinese Lexicology
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5304
Reading Material
[C] Require Chinese reading
Description
A theoretical and practical survey of the morphological and semantic aspects of Chinese vocabulary, covering various topics including word formation, semantic structure of words, x-bar analysis of words, lexicalization, development and evolution of lexical items over history, relationship between sound and meaning, and cultural component of words. This course will also deal with issues closely related to the teaching and learning of vocabulary of Chinese as a second language such as vocabulary size, methods of defining words and vocabulary acquisition. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Analyze basic concepts in Chinese lexicology including zi (字) and word (詞) in different contexts; compound and complex words; idiomatic expressions; lexical meaning and grammatical meaning; synonymy; antonymy; hypernymy; hyponymy; word structure and word formation.
- 2.
  Explain Chinese word development over time and across different speech communities.
- 3.
  Recognize new approaches and methodologies in lexicology including aspects of lexical semantics.
- 4.
  Define the computational basis for lexicology and lexicography, and of learner dictionary.
- 5.
  Deal with pedagogical issues in Chinese vocabulary teaching effectively.
MILE 5305
Word Structure of Chinese: A Comparative Perspective
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5305
Reading Material
[C] Require Chinese reading
Description
This is an introductory course to morphology, the study of word structure. The course aims to familiarize students with the morphological structure of Chinese and concepts in morphology, areas which students are less prepared for. Knowledge of morphology is of vital importance when students prepare themselves to teach Chinese as an L2 because the morphological structure of Chinese differs drastically from that of the native languages of L2 learners. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
MILE 5306
Understanding Chinese Language in Global Context
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5306
Reading Material
[C] Require Chinese reading
Description
This course examines the Chinese language against the background of global linguistic diversity. Issues to be discussed include the genetic affiliation of Chinese, the contact between Chinese and other languages, and structural properties of Chinese vis-à-vis other major languages in the world. Emphasis will be put on the understanding of typological characteristics of Chinese. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Describe the basic concepts relating to the social and educational dimensions of language.
- 2.
  Explain sociolinguistic variation and stratification.
- 3.
  Recognize the changing language milieu of Hong Kong and other Chinese speech communities, and the relevant language policies.
- 4.
  Identify principles and efforts relating to language standardization, and planning in education in general as well as in the Chinese context.
- 5.
  Explain the inter-relationships among languages, culture and society in terms of convergence and divergence and the underlying dynamics.
- 6.
  Apply quantitative and empirical approaches to relevant studies.
MILE 5307
Methodology for Linguistic Comparison
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 5307
Reading Material
[C] Require Chinese reading
Description
This course surveys methods in the comparative studies of multiple languages. Speech sounds, words, grammar and discourses will be compared from various perspectives for different purposes: historical for genetic ancestry, typological for general tendencies, cognitive for metaphorical conceptualization, and social for cultural differences. Relevance for second language learning will be highlighted, and scientific analysis of linguistic data will be inculcated. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
MILE 6000
Supervised Teaching Practicum
[3 credits]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 6000
Description
This course provides students with practical training in the teaching of English and/or Chinese as a foreign language through classroom observation and supervised teaching practice. Restricted to students in the MA program in International Language Education.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Design effective language lessons and produce lesson plans.
- 2.
  Conduct observations of language teaching in a systematic and informed manner.
- 3.
  Demonstrate a range of practical teaching techniques.
- 4.
  Evaluate their own teaching effectiveness.
- 5.
  Develop and adapt teaching materials to suit the needs of particular learners.
MILE 6980
Research Project in International Language Education
[3 credits]
Previous Course Code(s)
MALE 6980
Description
This course provides a skill-based training in an independent research project on chosen topic conducted under the supervision of a teaching faculty of the MA program in International Language Education. The student is required to produce a substantial research paper at the end of the project.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Develop research skills for a research career or further study.

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