This paper is an extract from a syllabus I have conceived and designed to be used by the medical students of the Faculty of Medicine of Porto-Novo, in the Republic of Benin. My objective in writing it is to show student teachers of English as a foreign language some of the aspects and stages that have to be considered when designing a syllabus of this kind, that is, English for Special Purposes. This course is intended for all years' medical students at the Special Faculty of Medicine at

more »

... ovo, in the Republic of Benin, and in any other university, who do not speak English as their mother tongue, but who need to know this language to further their studies abroad for specialization purposes when they finish their schooling in their various countries. Composed of three integrated modules, its purpose is to bring those students to satisfy their language and communication needs. It emphasizes critical thinking and favors the acquisition of the language through the natural route of development as it is learnt by native speakers. This course is grounded on a functional/notional syllabus based on what students need and want to know.