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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.
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.
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.
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.
[A] clear and informative historical account of the development of EAP, which has many useful insights on the subject. Chapter 5 and 6 on pedagogy and assessment are particularly useful because they take a reflective, sometimes critical view of current models and practices. The volume is sharply focused on the professional context and keeps the EAP teacher in mind throughout.
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).
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