Jul 02, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

LING 4820 - Introduction to English for Specific Purposes


English for Specific Purposes (ESP) refers to the branch of language teaching and research in which course content and teaching approaches are derived from an analysis of language use in a specific context. In contrast to general purposes language courses, in which purpose is broadly defined, ESP courses are designed to prepare learners with the specific language requirements they need in order to participate appropriately in particular academic, occupational, and professional communities. This course surveys the literature that has contributed to the growth of the field of ESP and examines the key theories, principles, and ideas that form the basis of current approaches to ESP. Included in the course are more practical questions of needs analysis, curriculum design, materials development, and assessment.

Requisites: LING 4800 or concurrent
Credit Hours: 3
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 seminar
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
  • Students will be able to analyze and critique the research and pedagogical practices of ESP.
  • Students will be able to identify the main features of ESP in academic, professional, and workplace contexts.
  • Students will be able to evaluate, adapt, and design materials for the ESP curriculum.
  • Students will be able to summarize and illustrate key concepts in ESP.
  • Students will be able to apply course concepts related to ESP to their own teaching practice.


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