IF0NU1-English for Academic Purposes 1

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Module Convenor: Dr Elisabeth Wilding

Email: e.a.wilding@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

English for Academic Purposes 1 (IF0NU1) and English for Academic Purposes 2 (IF0NU2) are designed to give students the general academic language, skills and strategies needed to begin their Year 1 degree studies at the NUIST-Reading Academy in Nanjing. This module (IF0NU1) is an introduction to general EAP, providing students with basic academic language, skills and strategies. It will focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking in an academic context, as well as introducing students to the practice of independent study, managing their own learning and basic research skills.

Aims:

To develop students’ language knowledge* and language skills to meet the needs of their future academic studies, by improving their ability to:

• understand written texts and use them in completing academic assignments


• understand spoken texts and take notes


• take part in group discussions


• deliver formal presentations


• present information, ideas and opinions through writing

*developing language knowledge refers to expanding the students’ range and control of English vocabulary and grammar

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• demonstrate understanding of modified academic texts within a limited amount of time


• demonstrate understanding of spoken native-speaker monologues and dialogues, delivered at a modified pace


• interact orally with others in the exchange of information and the development of ideas and opinions


• briefly present information, ideas and opinions orally, in a coherent and clear manner


• respond in writing toa given question in a relevant, coherent and communicative manner

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• identify and exploit additional language learning resources, according to their individual needs


• organize their time efficiently in order to meet course deadlines


• independently locate sources relevant to assignments and individual interests


• work effectively as a member of a team

Outline content:

Reading skills and strategies, including survey reading, close reading, selecting information, summarising, monitoring comprehension

Listening skills and strategies, including identifying main and supporting points, note-taking, decoding connected speech, monitoring comprehension

Speaking skills, including oral presentations, group discussions, oral fluency, communicative strategies

Writing skills, including paragraphing, essay structure, introductions and conclusions, cohesive devices, proof-reading

Language knowledge, including vocabulary, with a focus on the most frequent words in general academic English (e.g General Service List, Academic Word List); grammatical structures; functional language, particularly those relevant to general academic English; pronunciation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will employ a communicative approach to language development, with an emphasis on meaning, task-completion, interaction and feedback. Students will be actively engaged, working together in pairs and groups. Students will be expected to work independently outside class, individually and in groups, both to complete assignments and further develop their own language.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	168
Guided independent study	432
Total hours by term	600.00
Total hours for module	600.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	70
Class test administered by School	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The portfolio will comprise student engagement with the module, including attendance and completing continuous assessment coursework and tests. Grading will not be introduced in the module; only a pass or fail will be recorded.

Formative assessment methods:

Individual feedback will be given on written assignments, including plans and drafts, and formal spoken presentations. Students will be provided with an overall mark at the end of the module to provide them with an indication of their progress. They will also be given formative feedback on the end-of-module assessment and an indication of their current language performance in the four skills areas assessed.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (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.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

This module will be marked on a pass/fail basis. Students must pass (i.e. obtain a mark of at least 40%).

Reassessment arrangements:

Any student failing the module must re-take the end-of-module assessment according to NUIST policy

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 11 September 2018