Information for students
All students from every discipline are welcome, provided the IWLP classes do not clash with other lectures and seminars. Attendance is paramount for successful language learning. Regrettably we may have to turn down applicants with unavoidable timetable clashes.
Calendar 2010-11
All IWLP classes start in week 3 of the Autumn term (Monday 24th October for the session 2011-12) and run for 19 weeks following the calendar below:
Autumn term: Monday 24th October 2011 - Friday 16th December 2011
Spring term: Monday 16th January 2012 - Friday 23rd March 2012
Summer term: Wednesday 23rd April 2012 - t.b.a.
Timetable
A printable Autumn term timetable in PDF format is available from here . Please note that the IWLP timetable will NOT change in the following terms, so make sure you will continue to have no clashes with other lectures in the Spring term.
Before registering
Go onto the RISIS webportal and choose the IWLP generic module code LA1XX1. Later we will be able to confirm the exact code of the module you will take. Students with no previous experience will be automatically placed at level 1 in the language of their choice. Everybody else will be required to take a placement test, so that we can place you in the class most appropriate to your ability. Printable placement tests in a PFD format can be downloaded from here or can be collected from the ISLC Administration Office (Humss 204). Please return the completed test to the ISLC Administration Office in room 204 of the HumSS Building or email to iwlp@rdg.ac.uk
How to register
To register you need to complete an online registration form and, if you need it, a placement test and send to the ISLC Administration Office (Humss 204). Late applicants may still apply, please contact us on iwlp@reading.ac.uk .
After registering (class lists)
Depending on the result of your placement test and/or your timetable constraints you will be placed into a group at the most appropriate level. Classes will be formed during week 2, ready to start in week 3 (from Monday 25th October 2010). The IWLP administrator will confirm your successful registration via email. Class lists will be published here.
Fees
No fees are required from students taking a credit-bearing module. The non-credit student fee is two hundred pounds, if paid in one installment or one hundred and fifteen pounds each term in the Autumn and Spring terms, and fifty-seven pounds in the Summer Term. The Alumni and external student fee is five hundred and sixty five pounds. Members of staff might be eligible to register without paying fees. Please check with the Administration Office.
Course books and materials
You will be advised by your language tutor of the course books required for your level. For most courses there will be at least one prescribed textbook, which must be purchased at the beginning of the course. You will also be expected to purchase a small dictionary and a reasonably priced grammar book.
Assessment
Assessment for IWLP is based on a combination of continuous assessment throughout the course and final assessment by means of an oral examination at the end of the Spring Term, and a written examination held during the May/June examination period.
In levels 1-2 continuous assessment accounts for 35% of the marks; the examinations count for 65%. In levels 3-5 continuous assessment accounts for 45% of the marks; the examinations count for 55%. Further details about assessment can be found here.
Visiting students
We welcome visiting students on our programme. For the specific assessment arrangements please refer to the dedicated section in the Student handbook. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Erasmus & Study Abroad office, e-mail studyabroad@reading.ac.uk , telephone + 44 (0)118 378 6306 /8323.
Make the most of language learning
Click here to download a printable guide in PDF format and find out how to become a successful language learner, with advice on what and how to study, how to make the most of your time in the classroom and outside, how to maintain your motivation and to revise for your exams.
Plagiarism in language learning (and how to avoid it)
For many students the boundaries between what is intentional cheating and simple poor academic practice are not clear, especially when it comes to language learning. 'A little help, an electronic translator and a bit of plagiarism. Dos and Don'ts in your IWLP coursework' is a short Powerpoint presentation which will help you understand what counts as plagiarism in language learning and how to avoid it. Click here to download it.
A generic guide for students who seek to avoid accidental plagiarism can be found on the Student Advice website http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/studyadvice/StudyResources/Reading/sta-plagiarism.aspx.
Plagiarism is taken seriously within the University and it will be treated as academic misconduct subject to disciplinary matter. The full policy on academic misconduct can be downloaded at http://www.reading.ac.uk/Exams/academicmisconduct.pdf
When something goes wrong
Despite all your and our best efforts sometimes something goes wrong. If for any reason you are likely to miss a class, please inform your tutor. Prolonged absences (two consecutive classes) can be detrimental to your learning and we will contact you. If you do not reply or if your absences are jeopardizing your success on the course, we will contact your personal tutor. Since your absences are likely to affect your performance in assessment or examination, we recommend that you submit an Extenuating Circumstances Form to your Home Department (through your personal tutor). The personal tutor will take care to inform us. More information with regard to Extenuating Circumstances can be found in the Student Handbook.
If for any reason you feel this course is not for you, please speak to your tutor or your language coordinator (link to staff list). In case you still decide to go ahead and withdraw from your IWLP course please fill in a withdrawal form and send it to the IWLP administrator in room 204 of the HumSS Building. You will receive an email to confirm that we acknowledge your request.
Student handbook
The student handbook contains all the important information about your IWLP course, including deadlines, assessment procedures, IWLP and University policies. We will expect you to be familiar with the content of the handbook. An updated printable version for the session 2010-11 in PDF format is available from here.