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10
2a
P-X3BA
2b
MA
2c
1 year full-time
2d
30 September 2024
2e
2f
University of Warwick
3a
Warwick's Drama Education and English Language Training MA is one of the only programmes in the world that looks at the role of drama education in English Language teaching.
3b
Study and research how drama education motivates students, creates confidence in speaking and uses language in purposeful contexts at the Departments of Education Studies. You will learn across two departments, gaining subject knowledge both in drama education and in TESOL strategies and resources from Applied Linguistics. You will work practically and collaboratively to make connections between drama education and language learning. This exciting MA programme offers an in-depth insight into the ways drama and theatre education can enhance teaching and learning in education, specifically in the field of English Language Teaching and Learning.
We introduce you to a range of hybrid pedagogic strategies that are underpinned by rigour and that aspire to make language learning accessible, playful, creative and engaging. You will engage with cutting-edge theory and practice-led research related to the ways drama and theatre can be used as pedagogical tools. This MA is aimed at individuals interested in working as practitioners in schools colleges, community and educational theatre settings and will be of interest to those working in the areas of TESOL.
The course of study provides a planned and structured programme, which is sufficiently flexible to respond to the needs of a wide range of pedagogic and cultural contexts. Practical activities are at the heart of our course structure, so there will be a number of opportunities to work with your peers, collaborating, debating, and researching practical solutions. Your interdisciplinary skill set will be developed throughout the MA, enabling you to pursue a diverse array of career pathways.
Skills from this degree
- Gain theoretical understanding of how and why drama can support language learning with particular attention to issues relating to second language learning
- Develop awareness of the social dynamics of the classroom and their implications for the teaching-learning process
- Learn how to critically analyse and evaluate current research in drama education and ELT
- Formulate a relevant research question and design a valid project for inquiry
- Ability to plan and execute successful drama workshops focusing on language development
- Ability to advocate the use of teaching of ELT
3d
Modules for this course are delivered by two departments. All modules are delivered in-person at our well-equipped university campus. Drama-focused modules provide practical experience of a wide range of drama and theatre practices. Other modules, from both Education Studies and Applied Linguistics are delivered in a range of formats to suit (these may include lectures, seminars, group work and practical workshops, for example). Modules taken in the Department of Applied Linguistics develop your understanding of key approaches to Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).
In addition to taught sessions, you will be given various pre- and post- session tasks and readings to support your learning.
3e
Class Size
3f
You will have core teaching contact time in each term, plus rehearsal time and regular trips to local schools and theatres and guest lectures and performances throughout the year.
3g
Assessment types vary depending on modules selected but may include different types of assignments, of varying lengths, as well as oral or performance presentations. You will also complete a dissertation based on an individual research project, with support from a research supervisor.
Additional course costs
You may wish to undertake some research with children or young people that may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or a Certificate of Good Conduct for students from outside of the UK. A Certificate of Good Conduct can vary in price.
Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Find out more about our additional course costs.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
4a
2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
4b
- Band B
- IELTS score to 7 overall, no more than two components at 6.0/6.5 & rest 7.0+
4c
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
5a
Our Drama Education and English Language Teaching (MA) degree for 2023 entry contains a number of core and optional modules as shown below.
Storytelling Drama for Education
The storytelling drama for education module offers an opportunity to explore the potential for learning through practical drama exploration. The module explores a range of theoretical lenses through which narrative and culture can be critically examined making links between practical drama exploration and theoretical positioning. Due to its emphasis on practical drama exploration, it encourages students to consider how storytelling exploration can offer learning opportunities, and to consider how meanings are made, communicated and / or constructed through stories arising from the oral tradition. It is a module that offers opportunities to develop systematic understanding whilst applying practical techniques for real-world situations.
Drama and Literacy
The Drama and Literacy module is responsive to the stress placed internationally on the development of literacy in education establishments in recent years. Drama and Literacy looks specifically at theories of literacy that emphasise the importance of cultural semiotics and social context. It considers the close historical relationship between drama and English in schools and explores the specific contribution drama can make to children’s language development in general and the development of reading, writing and speaking and listening in particular whilst also embracing new notions of multi-literacies.
Research Methods in Education
This module encourages students in understanding, designing and implementing research in the field of education. It will introduce you to a range of established research strategies and techniques, including data collection and analysis. These skills will enable you to design and carry out a dissertation research project, as well as to disseminate its findings. As part of this module, you will present your research design and have the opportunity to receive feedback ahead of completing your dissertation.
Dissertation
The dissertation is an opportunity to explore, in depth, an area of academic and/or professional interest related to your degree. Building on the knowledge and skills developed during the Research Methods module, and your other modules, you will conduct an independent research project, developing a deeper understanding of your chosen topic. From your research project, you will produce a dissertation, with guidance from a supervisor who will be allocated to you. Through the dissertation, you will demonstrate the ability to analyse and synthesise relevant literature, produce coherent arguments supported by relevant evidence and logical discussion, and acknowledge sources of ideas and information.
SLA Insights for TESOL Practice
This module explores areas of second language acquisition (SLA) research that are relevant to TESOL practice. It considers how SLA is affected by individual learner characteristics as well as social-interactive processes in the classroom, and focuses specifically on features of SLA that can be positively shaped by teachers.
Literature and Drama in TESOL
Literature and drama provide us with compelling material for involving our students in successful language learning activities. Engagement with story, a rich social context, personal response, and interactive play - all of these acknowledged facilitators of language learning are enabled through the use of literature and drama. When literary texts and drama activities are appropriately chosen and delivered, learners have opportunity to develop their knowledge of the target language at a variety of levels. Additionally, reading literature in a second language provides students with cultural insights and provides a genuine source of motivation for learners. However, personal experience and research tell us that literature is not widely used in TESOL and that it is often considered ‘difficult’ by learners. We shall explore why this is and how the situation may be improved through principled text selection and methodologies that focus on developing reader response.
You will develop a critically informed understanding of the place of literature and drama in the EFL/ESL classroom and ways in which the teaching of literature or drama and language can be integrated. Although we shall include approaches to teaching ‘classic’ texts, the module will embrace a very broad concept of literature, including the popular novel, children’s literature and film drama.
Foundations of TESOL Methodology
This module provides students with a solid foundation in TESOL theory and practice. It explores both historical and contemporary developments in TESOL in order to give students a broad understanding of the field of English language teaching. Through such exploration, students are encouraged to reflectively engage with and develop their own beliefs about language learning and teaching, particularly in relation to educational contexts they are familiar with and/or will return to as practicing teachers.
or
Innovations in TESOL Methodology
This module aims, in the first instance, to enhance students’ abilities to consider innovation in TESOL from a critical perspective in relation to their own teaching context. Students learn how to engage in and evaluate innovation by means of practitioner research and how to manage innovation. On this foundation, in the last part of the course students will be introduced to and invited to critically appraise a wide variety of recent proposals for innovation.
Optional modules
Optional modules are available to choose from the Department of Applied Linguistics. Please refer to our module catalogue, selecting 'Applied Linguistics' and 'Postgraduate Taught Level' to see examples of optional modules that have run in previous years.
Please note, module content and availability may change until the start of summer term of the preceding year.
5b
This programme has a number of optional modules to choose from. At least one optional module should have a childhood focus. Our optional module lists are subject to change each year to keep the student learning experience current and up-to-date.
Find the most up-to-date optional module list on the Education Studies website.
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