IF0IEJ-International English
Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IF0IE1 International English A IF0IE2 International English B
Module version for: 2017/8
Module Convenor: Mrs Amanda Fava-Verde
Email: a.c.fava-verde@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
The module will provide the necessary basis in English for study at undergraduate degree level. The focus of the module is on developing and applying skills in English for academic purposes over a 22 week period.
This module aims to develop the language skills of students who have already achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent in Academic English
Aims:
• to develop students’ competence and skills in the use of English for Academic Purposes from a basis where their command of academic English shows weaknesses; • to provide the necessary foundation to enable students to cope with the linguistic demands of the International Foundation Programme and to qualify for an undergraduate programme; • to introduce students to the theme of scientific and technological innovation ; using academic sources students will build up a body of knowledge on the issues associated with this topic in order to write a discursive essay; • to develop students confidence in understanding and using English in academic situations
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:
•present ideas, arguments and information with clarity and reasonable accuracy both orally and in written form using appropriate academic register and conventions.
•identify key information in reading and listening texts; comprehend texts at sentence, paragraph and text level; critically engage with academic reading and listening material.
Additional outcomes:
By the end of the module, it is expected that students should be able to: • make effective use of a variety of scholarly resources for the purposes of independent study and research. • evaluate their own progress manage their time effectively as they move to more independent study. • actively reflect on their own learning processes so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and relevant skills; • demonstrate an understanding, through reading authentic texts, listening to lectures and through discussion and debate, of the social, political, economic and environmental impacts of scientific and technological innovation in the modern world.
Outline content:
In Term 1 , focus is on the basics with a carefully scaffolded approach to academic writing at paragraph level. In term 2, students continue to develop their language skills through researching and writing a prescribed essay. The essay topic is discursive in nature and helps students to organise their thinking and writing in an analytical way removing the scaffolding entirely. In term 3 (summer), students engage in a seminar activity which reinforces their confidence in listening and speaking in academic situations. The module focuses on the development of the following skills in the use of English for Academic Purposes. • Listening skills: note-taking; listening for key words; listening for detail; identifying main and supporting points. • Reading skills: reading for specific academic purposes; comprehension at sentence and paragraph level; text analysis; identifying the writer's standpoint; skimming, scanning; understanding main ideas and coping with new vocabulary. • Writing skills: planning and drafting; paragraph structure; essay structure; writing introductions and conclusions; editing, supporting arguments with reference to reading material; paraphrasing and avoiding plagiarism; summarising; comparing and contrasting; cause and effect; describing processes and describing graphs and tables. • Speaking skills: participating in discussions and debate: expressing opinion and defending arguments.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is taught through lectures and seminars using communicative methodologies which encourage pair and groupwork.
A scaffolding approach is used to guide students progressively toward stronger understanding and, ultimately, greater independence in the learning process.
Feedback and feed-forward is provided through in seminars and surgeries to aid in learner development.
Students will also be expected to take responsibility for their own learning by setting goals and making regular use of the University library, Blackboard (the University Virtual Learning Environment) and SACLL (Self Access Centre for Language Learning).
Summative Assessment Methods:
| Method |
Percentage |
| Written exam |
50 |
| Written assignment including essay |
15 |
| Portfolio |
10 |
| Oral assessment and presentation |
5 |
| Class test administered by School |
20 |
Other information on summative assessment:
A summative paragraph and listening task are completed in Term 1, following on from the formative tasks. Class tests held in examination conditions at the end of terms 1 and 2 test students' ability to apply the reading into writing skills covered in each term as well as testing vocabulary and academic language use. The summative essay submitted in the Spring term is discursive in nature and based on guided research.
Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Length of examination:
3 hours
Requirements for a pass:
40% to pass the module academically
55% or 60% depending on intended UG degree programme, to satisfy receiving School linguistic requirements
Reassessment arrangements:
By re-examination in August/September with coursework marks carried forward if this is to the student's advantage.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books: De Chazal, E. and Rogers, L. Oxford EAP: Intermediate/B1+: Student's Book and DVD-ROM Pack Oxford University Press; Vicary, A. (2012) English for Academic Study: Grammar for Writing Study
Last updated: 31 March 2017