Master of Arts in TESOL

Course Descriptions

TSL 500 TESOL Foundations (3 credits)
An introduction to TESOL, including its history, current research, and public policy issues and their relation to instructional practices. Consideration of issues such as partnerships and advocacy in TESOL, professional development through research, and collaboration. Also an orientation to the MA TESOL program, portfolio development, and NCATE standards; 20 hours of field experience. Must be taken in the candidate's first nine (9) hours in the program.

TSL 510 Descriptive Linguistics (3 credits)
A study of language and language systems, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Discussion of the nature and value of world Englishes, language variation, and linguistic research.

TSL 520 Language Acquisition and Development (3 credits)
Theories of first and other language acquisition, processes of language and literacy development, and their application to TESOL. Topics include language in the classroom and at home; cognitive, affective, and personal variables related to language learning; and dimensions of language proficiency.

TSL 530 The English Language (3 credits)
An introduction to the sounds, forms, structures, meanings and uses of English. Topics include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Includes application to teaching ESOL, both written and spoken, for a variety of settings and purposes.

TSL 540 Cultural Diversity and Education (3 credits)
A study of the nature, role, and content of culture, especially in relation to education. Topics include major cultural concepts, interaction between language and culture, and multicultural education. Consideration of ESOL students' cultural identities, language and literacy development, and academic achievement.

TSL 550 Research Methods in TESOL (3 credits)
An introduction to quantitative and qualitative methods of doing research in TESOL, helping students to become enlightened consumers of educational research and to design their own research. Topics include common statistical tests, action research, and case studies; strengths and limitations of methods are addressed. Resources for TESOL research are explored. Prerequisite: Twelve (12) semester credits in the program.

TSL 560 Instructional Methods in TESOL (3 credits)
Introduction to standards-based methods for planning, implementing, and managing ESOL and content instruction. Topics include classroom organization and strategies for developing and integrating English language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and for accessing core curricula. Includes 30 hours of field experience. Prerequisites: TSL 500-550.

TSL 570 Resources for ESOL and Content Instruction (3 credits)
Selection, creation, and use of standards-based materials, resources, and technologies. Attention to culture, language proficiency, and age of ESOL learners. Examination and use of various print and non-print resources, audiovisual materials, and technological tools. Prerequisite: TSL 500-560.

TSL 580 Assessment of ESOL Learners (3 credits)
A study of assessment for ESOL, including both language proficiency and classroom-based assessment. Issues include factors that affect ESOL student learning, special education testing, and standards-based assessment. Practice in the development and use of tools and techniques to assess language proficiency and performance. Prerequisite: TSL 500-560.

TSL 590 TESOL Practicum (3 credits)
Practical application of standards-based methods for ESOL and content instruction. Design of supportive learning environments for ESOL students, accounting for their diverse backgrounds, developmental needs and English proficiency. Implementation of a variety of instructional and assessment techniques. Includes full time supervised student teaching and opportunities for candidates to reflect upon this experience. Prerequisites: TSL 500-560.

TSL 600 Research Project (3 credits)
In addition to completing teaching/learning portfolios that they have developed in the program, candidates will complete the project that they proposed in TSL 550, Research Methods in TESOL. Candidates will summarize research related to their topics, describe their methodology, conduct research, present their findings, and identify outlets for their research. Prerequisites: TSL 500-560.

TSL 699 Graduate Thesis (Optional) (3-6 credits)
In this course, candidates will write the thesis that they proposed in TSL 550, Research Methods in TESOL. This optional course is recommended for those planning advanced study in TESOL. Candidates may register for this course twice for a total of six (6) credits. Prerequisites: TSL 500-560.

EDU 518 Content Area Reading and Writing: Instruction and Technology (3 credits)
This course examines principles, strategies and methodologies that are designed to improve student achievement in the content areas. Research, theory, and implications for instruction and technology will be examined and reviewed. Topics include purposes and types of reading; content reading learning design and delivery and methods of assessing reading strategies and skills in student-centered reading instruction. (For candidates seeking the TESOL Multi-Age License in Ohio.)