Analysis and Evaluation of the Course Objectives and Course Contents of the Intensive English Program at a University in Saudi Arabia

This research addresses the gap between the course objectives of Intensive English and the course contents (especially the writing parts) of the textbooks prescribed for Arab students of Computer Science, Engineering, Media and Communication, Law, and Business Administration at a university in Saudi Arabia. This study explores the perspectives of Saudi learners about the course Intensive English and the contents of the prescribed textbooks. Both qualitative and quantitative research have been used for this study. For data collection, a questionnaire consisting of ten closed questions was administered to the students. Apart from this, semi-structured interviews were held. The participants in this study were thirty-two Saudi female learners aged 18-19 whose L1 is Arabic. The findings of this study show that because of the vast course contents in the prescribed textbooks, all teachers focus on “teaching to the test/test-driven instruction’’. Based on the study's findings, it is evident that the course objectives of Intensive English need some revision and modification. This goes with the backward design of Mc Tighe and Wiggins (2005), which focuses on not covering a certain amount of content but emphasizes facilitating student learning. Considering the Backward Design of McTighe and Wiggins (2005), the study concludes with some recommendations so that the course objectives and contents of Intensive English can be revised and modified.