COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Core subjects

MTE101 Second Language Acquisition
Semester I
This subject outlines the principal topics of research in the field of second language acquisition, and of the major research methods and paradigms used in the field. Students examine methods of critical observation; the description and analysis of second language learners and their performance; the social and psychological aspects of second language learning situations; and the special characteristics of language learning. Upon completion of this course, students will have gained an understanding of the basic issues in SLA, including implicit vs. explicit, L2 language processing, the initial and end states of L2 grammar, the effects of feedback and negative evidence and the role of the mother tongue.

MTE102 Curriculum Design and Development
Semester I
In this course, students explore the process of developing curricula and course materials for language teaching. Students are introduced to basic principles in materials and syllabus design from both a practical and a theoretical perspective. Students also explore the relationship between materials, syllabi and the wider issues of the nature of language. Finally, students consider the role of curricula in terms of assessment goals and procedures.

MTE103 Grammar and Discourse (Functional Design)
Semester I
In this subject students gain a systematic understanding of the main areas of grammar, including morphology, syntax, semantics and stylistics, with an additional focus on syntactic theories for second language acquisition and genre analysis. Topics covered include the role of grammar in language classrooms; analysis of spoken and written texts; pragmatics and transfer. Students also consider a range of descriptive and methodological approaches to the analysis of grammar and discourse. Throughout the subject, students work with spoken and written English, including various regional and social varieties as well as Standard English.

MTE201 Advanced Teaching Methodology
Semester II
In this course, students examine the major issues and approaches to TESOL. Topics include the role of the teacher and learner; the aims, activities, techniques and methodologies used to teach language in different classes; and the extent to which these approaches suit different contexts and purposes. Students are equipped with up-to-date theories of language teaching and a wide range of practical teaching ideas. This unit is taught prior to students’ teaching practicum, allowing them to upgrade their teaching skills to an advanced level.

MTE202 Introduction to Research in Language Education
Semester II
This course introduces students to various approaches to research in the field of applied linguistics. As part of this, students read and interpret a range of research reports, which use a variety of methodological approaches in the way data is collected, analyzed and interpreted.

MTE203 Language Testing and Assessment
Semester II
This unit allows students to review and analyze the process of language testing and assessment, and also to evaluate and design assessment procedures and tests. Students consider the social and political context of foreign language examinations, and study the psychology of test-takers, before turning their focus on the relationship between teaching and testing, and the way in which theories of language learning relate to testing and assessment.

MTE204 Professional Practice
Semester II
For this course, students undertake a six-week practicum in the sector in which they wish to qualify, supervised by peer observation and school-based field work. The practicum requires an appropriate modeling of the target language, both spoken and written; proficient design, implementation and evaluation of lessons and units of work for students at a variety of language levels, the adaptation of existing materials and development of original work to meet student needs and interests; the evaluation and development of appropriate TESOL programs, including needs analysis, syllabus design, program organization and evaluation; monitoring, documenting and reporting students' language development; the establishment of collaborative relationships with other staff members, self-reflection and finally a critical evaluation of one's own practice.

MTE104 Seminar on Special Issues of Applied Linguistics I
MTE205 Seminar on Special Issues of Applied Linguistics II
Semesters I & II
This seminar deepens students’ understanding of special issues within the fields of applied linguistics and language education. Students benefit from the varied specializations of our experienced faculty, who take turns conducting two seminars for each semester. Further arrangements concerning specializations and topics are announced at the commencement of each semester.

MTE105 Academic Writing for Graduate Studies
Semester I
This subject upgrades students’ skills in academic writing conventions, and equips them with a firm understanding of the process of writing a research paper at the graduate level.

MTE206 Phonetics and Phonology in Language Teaching
Semester II
This subject provides students with theoretical and practical perspectives on the teaching of pronunciation within a functional approach to language. Phonemic and prosodic aspects of language are considered, and students explore the role of prosody in the construction of meaning. Students develop strategies to teach pronunciation to learners of a foreign language, and also consider the phonological aspects of  a student’s first language.

MTE207 Psychology of Language Learning
Semester II
In this subject, students investigate the four major psychological models of foreign language learning, the social psychological, socio-educational, social context and educational. Students then reflect on and apply a theoretical interpretation to their personal experiences as students and teachers in Cambodia. Upon completion of the subject, students can identify which conditions and contexts are conducive to successful language learning in real situations.

MTE208 Sociolinguistics in Language Teaching
Semester II
In this unit, students explore some of the ways in which language is used in different contexts and cultures. Students focus on understanding and describing how people use language, and how this leads to both communication and miscommunication, particularly between native speakers and learners of a language. Students also reflect on the theoretical and practical issues in authentic language use, and on the practical implications for teachers, language curriculum developers and others involved in interactions with people from other cultures.

MTE301 Research Seminar I
MTE401 Research Seminar II
Semesters III & IV
This advanced seminar is compulsory for those students who have chosen to write a dissertation as part of their degree. Under the guidance of supervisors and a team leader from the research unit of the Department of English, students gain insights, practical techniques and skills in research design, data analysis, dissertation writing and the defense of a thesis in an academic environment.

MTE302 English Language Teaching Management
Semester III
This unit is designed for those specializing in the field of English Language Teaching Management, who wish to gain skills in managing English language programs and projects. The course covers the sociopolitical and cultural contexts of ELT management, including the management of language programs, project implementation; curriculum/academic management; curriculum innovation management, the management of short and long courses, management of resources and self-access centers, staff allocation, and professional development. Building on the experience of the Department of English, students examine the process of program planning, preparing for bidding for the provision of language courses, the recruitment, appointment, induction, appraisal and training of staff and managing teams within the field of English Language Teaching.

MTE303 Language and Culture in Contact
Semester III
In this course, students discuss the notion of culture, its relationship to linguistic and interactional meaning, and the multicultural nature of language classrooms. As part of this, students develop a deeper understanding of the language learner's need to integrate the intercultural and the linguistic, the consequent demands on the learning environment and the processes teachers can implement to ensure success. Throughout the course, students are introduced to a range of teaching strategies which can help achieve integrated linguistic and cultural learning in classrooms.

MTE303 Language Planning and Language Policy
Semester III
This course encourages students to explore the current debates and issues underpinning language planning and language policy. Students discuss and analyze contentious issues surrounding the design and implementation of language curricula, including standardization, revitalization and changes, language rights, linguistic imperialism, linguiscism, linguistic rights and the connection between language, aid and development.

MTE305 Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
Semester III
By engaging in a series of classroom tasks and projects, and drawing on their experience and language-related study, students are introduced to the pedagogical and technological issues involved in the effective design, development and delivery of CALL materials. The course investigates selected CALL approaches, including socio-collaborative, exploratory and tutorial approaches, in relation to language teaching methodology, technological development, and linguistic and second language acquisition theory. In particular, students focus on the use of Internet-based resources. On completion of this subject, students have a solid understanding of modern technology and its impact on second language learning and teaching. They also have an understanding of how they can apply this knowledge to their own teaching, through the development of electronic materials and the management of computer-assisted language learning in the classroom and in distance mode.

MTE306 English for Specific Purposes
Semester III
In this course, students explore the theoretical and practical issues related to teaching a foreign language for specific purposes. Students learn to apply the principles of needs and discourse analysis to specific language learning contexts. They also learn to apply their analysis of specific oral and written text types to particular disciplines and vocational areas, and to aid in the development of appropriate curricula, materials and assessment for teaching LSP.

MTE307 Teaching of Literature in a Second/Foreign Language
Semester III
This course focuses on the use of stylistics, meanings and expressions in literature, in a way which can be effectively practiced inside the ESL/FL classrooms.  Students examine artistic description, cultural creativity and stylistic elements of language use, in the context of linguistic methods of interpretation.

MTE402 Bilingualism
Semester IV
This unit brings together a range of approaches in the study of bilingual individuals, communities and education, reflecting the multidisciplinary origins of research in this field. Participants learn to define key terms in bilingualism; describe the ways in which bilingual language use may be assessed for research, education and professional practice; define the factors which impact on bilingual language acquisition; and describe the range of circumstances in which people become bilingual.

MTE403 Introduction to Globalization
Semester IV
This subject expands students’ understanding of the effects of foreign language education, and leads them to consider the process of English language learning within a broader context. Foreign language acquisition, and especially the widespread acquisition of English, has helped the process of globalization. This course presents the phenomenon of globalization from several theoretical contexts, allowing students to gain a broad understanding of the core issues involved in the process of globalization, while maintaining a root focus on the relationship between language, language education and globalizing economies.