Using a recent article from these sources shows your reading is current.
Brown, J. D. (2016). Needs Analysis in Language Teaching. In The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics (pp. 1–8). Wiley. delta module 3 reading list
Start with Richards (Curriculum Development) and Hughes (Testing). Then add your specialism text. Finally, find two journal articles on Google Scholar that criticise a specific teaching method. Using a recent article from these sources shows
, your reading list should be divided into core pedagogical theory and resources specific to your chosen specialism. Core Reading (Essential for All Specialisms) these are specific to applied linguistics.
Syllabus Design. Oxford University Press. (A concise introduction to different syllabus types).
Do not rely on general academic writing guides; these are specific to applied linguistics.