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Courses | M.A. in TESOL

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. For more program details, including graduation requirements and learning outcomes, visit Biola's academic catalog.

Note: This list is intended to give you a quick glimpse into the program's academic offerings, and should not be used as a guide for course selection or academic advising.

Foundational Requirements - 3 Credits

Bible/Theology


Core Courses - 24 Credits

Study of the syntax of English in preparation for teaching non-native speakers. Theoretical insights taken from several approaches to grammar.

Principles of ESL/EFL materials design. Enables teachers to evaluate and adapt published materials, prepare their own materials, and use a variety of media, including video and computers.

An introduction to the field of TESOL at the post-secondary and adult levels dealing with learner needs, approaches to and methods of teaching, techniques for the four skills, lesson planning and classroom management. Note(s): May be taken concurrently with other TESOL courses. Grade Mode: A.

This course develops professionalism in ESOL teachers in three areas: effective intercultural communication, appropriate communication of different worldviews and values, and ethics for teachers in various contexts.

Examination of the various factors, especially individual, sociological, and psychological, which enter into the process of acquiring a second language. Includes discussion of learning strategies as well as autonomous learning inside and outside of the classroom.

Study of English vocabulary, how it is learned, and best taught to non-native speakers. Research and theory inform learning issues and teaching practices. Examination of relevant materials and resources further supports vocabulary learning and teaching. Grade mode: A.

Examination of theory and practice of standardized language tests along with teacher-developed assessment instruments for different language skill areas. Grade Mode: A.

Extensive independent teaching in an ESL classroom under the general supervision of a master teacher, plus weekly group discussion of issues in language pedagogy. Credit for course may be earned, on the basis of some field-based situations, by portfolio assessment. Grade Mode: A.


Electives in Bible/Theology - 3 Credits

Note: Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, taken for credit at the graduate level, counts for either the foundational or program units. For more information on where and when this class is offered, visit perspectives.org.

A study of principles or sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules and specialized principles for the various biblical genre and phenomena and the development of an exegetical method. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A.

A broad survey of the Old Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A.

A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Notes: Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Grade Mode: A.

These electives (731, 732, 733) will be offered in cycle, with the breadth of the scope of each offering determined by: 1) the expertise of available faculty; 2) current issues of scholarly and practical importance; and 3) balance in regard to recent offerings. Grade Mode: A.

Electives in TESOL - 6 Credits

Topics are listed in the class schedule each semester. Course may be taken multiple times for credit with a different topic. Titles offered include: Readings in Language Learning Strategies; Teaching Pronunciation; TESOL and the Teaching of Literature; Readings in Cultural and Language Learning; Teaching EFL to Children.

Exploration through reading, discussion, and hands-on experience of how technology can be creatively exploited as a teaching, learning and assessment tool to support language learning. Grade Mode: A.

Exploration of effective pedagogy for teaching academic reading and writing at various levels in the ESL and EFL context. Grade Mode: A.

Preparing teachers for classes of English language learners K to 6th grade, primarily in international settings, this course covers age-appropriate classroom management, strategies and curriculum for teaching language as well as content, including beginning literacy instruction and assessment. Grade Mode: A.

How to develop a language program and design a language course, including needs assessment, methodology choices, goals specifications and implementation issues. Grade Mode: A.

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