English for Academic Purposes: Perspectives on the Past, Present and Future

by Douglas E. Bell

Overview

A systematic and critical exploration of the history of EAP from its birth until the present day.

Since its inception in the 1960s, the field of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) has enjoyed a period of almost continual expansion and growth and now represents a multi-million dollar industry worldwide. This book provides readers with a critical and comprehensive overview of EAP’s birth, its historical development and its ongoing trajectory, incorporating along the way the views of individuals who have played key roles in the field.

It examines a wide range of crucial topics in EAP, including pedagogy, materials and assessment and the role of EAP and those who teach it within the academy. The book concludes with a glimpse into the future as the author discusses the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities currently facing EAP and also evaluates some of the threats posed by issues such as privatisation and generative AI.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781800414488
Publisher:	Channel View Publications
Publication date:	09/10/2024
Series:	New Perspectives on Language and Education , #122
Pages:	210
Product dimensions:	6.15(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Douglas E. Bell is Professor of English Language Education at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC). He is the author of Studying for a Masters in TESOL or Applied Linguistics: A Student Reference and Practical Guide (Routledge, 2023).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Common Acronyms

Preface

Chapter 1. EAP’s Birth and Early Historical Development

Chapter 2. Core Issues and Debates 1960–1999      

Chapter 3. Core Issues and Debates 2000–2024

Chapter 4. The EAP Practitioner        

Chapter 5. Approaches to EAP Pedagogy

Chapter 6. EAP Materials and EAP Assessment            

Chapter 7. The Role and Status of EAP in the Academy

Chapter 8. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats: Is EAP Facing a Bright or an Uncertain Future?

References

Author Index

Subject Index

Editorial Reviews

Ever wondered where EAP came from, how and where it might be going? This highly readable book is essential for anyone interested in EAP, ESP and language teaching more broadly. It’s full of voices of scholars from across the years, balanced with personal reflections of an experienced EAP practitioner and researcher.

Averil Coxhead

Bell’s work not only underscores the significance of EAP and ESP in modern education but also sets an agenda for
continued exploration and innovation in the field. Readers with interests in applied linguistics, language teaching, curriculum development, or international education will find this book a valuable resource. Its relevance to both theoretical discourse and practical implementation ensures that it will remain a cornerstone text for those seeking to enhance their understanding of English for Academic Purposes and its broader implications in a rapidly changing world.

Asya S. Akopova

A stimulating and at times provocative discussion of the prescient issues, questions, and challenges associated with EAP. Bell re-examines older claims about the distinctive features of EAP against today’s backdrop, and provides his own insightful perspectives, surfacing key issues and debates today’s EAP practitioner-researchers need to consider. This book will be a valuable resource for newer and more experienced EAP practitioner-researchers alike.

Nigel Harwood

This book charts the development of EAP as a field of practice and inquiry, provides a fascinating tour of its current landscape, and offers thought-provoking projections about its future. It does an excellent job of informing about, and inviting critical engagement with, key issues in the EAP field.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Guangwei Hu