120157 AR Linguistics course (interactive) 223/224 (2009S)

This module provides an introduction to, and overview of recent educational policy initiatives. It views these initiatives as constituting an important dimension of socio-cultural background knowledge for prospective teachers of English as a Foreign Language. In particular, the module will focus on key policy initiatives in the field of language education in England, such as the National Language Strategy, and explore issues around their implementation. This discussion will be located in a broader international context and the issues will be examined with reference to policy making in Austria as well as the European Union more broadly. Topics will include: the role and status of foreign language learning; English as global/international language; trends concerning European and non-European languages; mobility; monolingualism, multilingualism, plurilingualism; linguistic diversity; global citizenship and a global dimension in education; intercultural education; Primary Modern Foreign Languages. The module will also explore implications of socio-cultural developments for foreign language pedagogy and language teaching and learning materials, for example in relation to Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).