The Bilkent MA TEFL program includes 36 credits of graduate course work to be completed in one academic year and the subsequent summer (from mid-September through the end of the following July). The curriculum is based on the theoretical and practical concerns of teaching English as a foreign language. The curriculum may vary slightly from one year to the next in order to accommodate students' needs and utilize the contributions of each year's faculty.

Course offerings are based on three major components:

• Linguistic Foundations : Linguistics, sociolinguistics, second language acquisition theory, and analysis of the English language
• Pedagogy : Language teaching methodology, curriculum development, materials development, and testing
• Research : Research skills for the preparation and writing of a thesis

The courses that are offered are as follows:

TEFL 501 Second Language Acquisition

Theories of second language acquisition. Students analyze both qualitative and quantitative research studies done in this field during the past 30 years. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 503 Linguistics: The Nature of Language

Foundations in linguistics with an emphasis on basic terminology, concepts, and analysis. Main topics include phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Discussion focuses on their relevance and application to second language acquisition and foreign language teaching. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 506 Sociolinguistics

Examination of linguistic variation in English among social groups due to region, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, and age, especially as this variation relates to language learning. Linguistic registers, standard and non-standard dialects, language attitudes, and attitudes toward language learning are also treated. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 510 Language Testing

Theoretical and practical considerations in the construction, use, and critical evaluation of both classroom and standardized tests of language proficiency. Students are acquainted with basic concepts of validity and reliability, as well as a variety of different kinds of tests and testing techniques. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 521 EFL Methodology

Discussion of the major foreign language teaching methods in their historical contexts, as well as individual language skills and integrated skills. Current areas of concern in ESL/EFL are also examined, and key EFL/ESL terminology is reviewed. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 523 Literature and Culture in EFL

Exploration of issues involved in the teaching of literature and culture in the EFL classroom, along with pedagogical implications. Particular focus is on appropriate choice of materials and the incorporation of web-based tools to enhance cultural and literacy awareness. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 528 Curriculum Development and Evaluation

Principles of course design, implementation, and evaluation. The role of the teacher in the curriculum process is central to the course. Small projects and papers relating to students' experiences will provide skills in developing and evaluating curricula. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 530 Materials Development

Selection, adaptation, development, evaluation, and implementation of lesson plans, textbooks, and other materials for different teaching situations. Students become familiar with a variety of materials. Opportunities are provided for critiquing, developing, and adapting materials for a wide range of contexts and target groups. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 551 Research Seminar I

Introduction to skills in library research and research methodology including the collection, analysis, and processing of data. Issues of methodology are examined for their applicability to critiquing published research and to conducting original research in language-learning environments. Both quantitative and qualitative research traditions are examined. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 552 Research Seminar II

More detailed examination of skills in library research and research methodology including the collection, analysis, and processing of data. Issues of methodology are examined for their applicability to conducting original research in language-learning environments. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 553 Research Seminar III

Advanced skills in library research and research methodology including the collection, analysis, and processing of data. Specific focus is on production of individual theses. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 554 Thesis Writing

Focus on presenting aspects of research findings in an organized and coherent manner. Students receive critical feedback from peers and their instructor on their thesis. The emphasis is on improvement of academic discourse appropriate to complete the program thesis successfully. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 555 Written Academic Discourse

Focus on developing essential skills for effective presentation of academic language in written discussion. Meta-discussion of reading and exercises will help develop students' own abilities to teach academic writing. Credit units: 3.

TEFL 556 Seminar in TEFL

In-depth exploration of and innovative approaches to topics of importance in the field of TEFL. The course may be divided into two eight-week seminars to allow expanded coverage of the issues. Specific topics to be determined by the instructor(s). Credit units: 3.