Module Description
This module further facilitates core English language and study skills development that is required for successful postgraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular.
The aims of this module are:
- to provide opportunities to practise and raise language accuracy and fluency across the skills to approaching C1 level of the European Framework. Students will extend their knowledge of English grammar and academic conventions regarding written work
- to provide students with an increased awareness of western methods of teaching and learning as well as introduce them to the system at Essex specifically
- to help students further develop learner autonomy
- to provide the opportunity for students to further develop their academic skills through class and portfolio work
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
- competency in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking to C1 level of the European Framework
- the ability to use a range of grammatical structures within an academic context at C1 level both accurately and appropriately
- an ability to understand a wide range of demanding, longer academic texts and recognise implicit meaning
- the further development of general independent enquiry and learning skills
- ability to undertake research using a full range of resources
- an ability to learn the meaning of new academic vocabulary and develop skills in the storage of new lexis
- presentation skills at C1 level
- an ability to communicate in a tutorial and seminar at C1 level
- an ability to produce a long assignment (up to 2,500 words) at C1 level in accordance with British academic conventions
Syllabus
The syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in English:
Reading
- Proficient prediction and deduction techniques
- Proficient skimming of text for overall meaning
- Proficient scanning of text for specific information
- Recognising and using academic terminology
- Reading texts effectively for a range of purposes
- Proficient note-taking and use of notes to complete specific tasks
- Recognising more complex cohesive devices and discourse markers
- Familiarity with sentence structures and their use
Writing
- Structuring an essay of up to 2,500 words
- Proficient use of discourse markers and cohesive devices
- Use of suitable register dependent on the task
- Extracting and synthesising information from outside sources
- Following academic conventions using appropriate citations and referencing
- Revise and edit own work
Listening
- Proficient prediction and deduction techniques
- Efficient listening for key information in lectures
- Further development of strategies for dealing with incomplete comprehension
- Proficient note-taking skills at C1 level of the European Framework
- Use of notes for a range of academic purposes
Speaking
- Active, proficient participation in seminar discussion
- Forming complex questions using suitable academic register
- Responding to complex questions using suitable academic register
- Expressing complex opinions
- Asking for clarification
- Extended discussion
- Presenting ideas and information in the target discipline by making presentations, using visual aids, and PowerPoint
Learning & Teaching Methods
Teaching will mostly consist of interactive classes, workshops and tutorials where appropriate. There will be an emphasis on learner independence, peer and self assessment.
Assessment
100 per cent Coursework Mark
Coursework:
Comparative essay (2,500 words) - weighing 50%;
Oral presentation (10 minutes) - weighting 10%;
A two-hour class test (reading to write) - weighting 40%
Exam Duration and Period
Bibliography
- Bailey, S (2006) Academic Writing: A handbook for international students (2nd ed.)
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Oxon: Routledge
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Swales, J and C Feak (2004) Academic Writing for Graduate Students (2nd ed.)
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Michigan: Michigan Press
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Yule, G (2006) Oxford Practice Grammar: Advanced. Oxford: OUP
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