SUBJECT MAJORS

SE11. Literature for Vanuatu Teenagers
4.5 credit points.

This course develops an appreciation of teenage literature. It uses as exemplars the core literature components of the Vanuatu Junior Secondary English Syllabus. Familiarity with the majority of the set novels is assumed. The interaction and development of plot, character, dialogue, theme, setting, style, and point of narration are investigated. Students also experience how modern poetry and some short stories diverge from narrative and linguistic conventions to achieve different purposes. Reader response theory, the relationship of literature to ESOL language development and criteria for selecting library fiction are considered.

SE12. Reading for Information and Leisure
4.5 credit points.

This course teaches reading purposes and processes including learning vocabulary, interpreting authors' modes of analysis, motives and intentions, discourse structure, visual text, cohesive devices and using reading strategies. Leisure reading activities based on jokes, instructions and personal reading are included. A practical component requires students to find information, skim and scan, take notes and construct diagrams from intensive reading and oral research. They then present a structured speech on ESOL learning for the concurrent Teaching Methods course debate. Students learn on library field trips how a school library can be organised and carry out a range of library tasks.

SE21. Writing in the English Language
9 credit points.

Students analyse the language and structure of models of different text types before producing writing in selected genres using the process writing approach. Text types studied include newspaper recounts, instructions, information reports, explanations, arguments, business letters and minutes. The lexical, structural and stylistic features of each genre are studied before students draft, share, produce and publish their own recount, information report, explanation and argument. Students will research a significant language feature of each text type, presenting and analysing examples of its use. Individualised feedback and self-correction will address each student's language development needs.

TEACHING METHODS

TE12. Communicative Language Teaching in Vanuatu
9 credit points.

Students modify and modernise existing listening activities to reflect the range of real-life responses required in listening comprehension. Listening and speaking microskills and strategies are identified and investigated. They discover, plan and trial communicative, cooperative, task-based activities to develop Vanuatu students' speaking and listening skills, practising drama and classroom management strategies. Students produce a thematic communicative lesson sequence that develops English skills needed in Vanuatu using authentic local materials and contexts. They conduct a debate on ESOL learning principles and issues researched in their SE 12 major, developing the skills of arguing a persuasive case and rebuttal.

TE21. Development and Evaluation in ESOL
9 credit points.

Students investigate developmental activities and assessment tasks in ESOL. They present a Year 9 or 10 unit plan that builds a range of children's English skills, evaluates progress and gives effective feedback. They critique each other's unit plans. This process equips students to teach and assess a complete unit of work on Teaching Practice.
To plan their unit, students select expected outcomes in relation to the Year 9 and 10 syllabus achievement levels. They then develop appropriate formative and summative activities from available textbooks and materials and their own supplementary resources to plan an authentic, relevant, communicative, cooperative balance of activities. How and when to correct students' errors is investigated and practised in micro-teaching an activity from their unit. The previous Year 10 English examination is analysed.

EXTERNAL COURSES: University of the South Pacific

LL122. Introduction to Language Studies
Semester 2. 9 credit points.

"The aim of this course is to provide a general introduction to linguistics, which is the scientific study of language. This course will also develop an appreciation both of what a language is and of the almost infinite variety to be found in language. The course is divided into seven main areas of interest: Sound Systems and Writing Systems; Language and Social Situation; Language and Social Groups; Language Change and Language History; Language, Culture and Identity; Translation; and Attitudes and Prejudices. Examples are drawn from the Pacific and other languages."

LL102. Introduction to Pacific Literature in English
Semester 4. 9 credit points.

"The overall objective of the course is to examine the growth of Pacific Literature in English and to appraise its themes, styles and significance. The course will consider the relationship between this literature and the existing oral traditions. It will endeavour to find a critical perspective for the analysis and evaluation of this literature".