ML1101: Academic English
| School | School of Modern Languages |
| Department Code | MLANG |
| Module Code | ML1101 |
| External Subject Code | 101090 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L3 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Argyro Kantara |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2022/3 |
Outline Description of Module
This 10-credit module aims to develop students’ confidence in using English both in the academic environment as well as outside the university. Attention is paid on improving academic English concentrating on areas of language and skills which are most commonly required in academic study such as note taking, critical reading and writing, summarising, paraphrasing, referencing, essay writing and presentations.
The module builds on students’ linguistic knowledge and academic skills already learned in the home country This could be a revision of academic skills depending on the students’ previous experience.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Keep effective notes from a variety of sources (lectures, academic texts) using different techniques.
- Read critically and paraphrase, summarise and synthesise information using appropriate language.
- Write a short academic essay, with a clearly defined structure to communicate information, ideas and opinions, using references effectively and appropriately.
How the module will be delivered
The module will be delivered through a range of interactive teaching sessions supplemented by online teaching and learning activities and materials – and may include, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.
- A range of worksheets will be available online to accompany readings and listening activities.
- Listen, read and understand complex factual and academic texts and talks.
- Practice techniques given in class as unassessed homework.
Skills that will be practised and developed
- note-taking
- locating and paraphrasing key information
- producing concise and accurate summaries
- analysing essay questions
- evaluating sources
- synthesising information
- writing in a concise and clear way, communicating information, ideas and opinions
- developing team working skills
- developing self-reflection skills
How the module will be assessed
The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.
Mapping of Assessments to Intended Learning Outcomes
Written Test: assesses LOs 1, 2
Essay: assesses LOs 1, 2, 3
THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:
Should a student fail to complete or to pass this module, he/she will be offered the opportunity to resubmit a piece of coursework (100%) in summer, for a maximum grade of 40%.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Test | 50 | 1 Written Test (Synthesised Paragraph) | N/A |
| Written Assessment | 50 | Essay | N/A |
Syllabus content
- Introduction to the course (Subject-specific Induction)
- Note-taking skills 1 (oral lecture)
- Note-taking skills 2: oral (lecture) vs written (journal article/book chapter) input
- Summarising and paraphrasing skills 1: locating the main ideas, using your own words
- Summarising and paraphrasing skills 2: using connectors, strategies to avoid plagiarism
- Where can you find appropriate sources? Evaluating sources (Research Techniques) Citing and Referencing: Harvard Referencing System workshop
- Essay Writing Skills 1 : interpreting the question, and planning your essay
- Essay Writing Skills 2 : writing and revising (Introductions and Conclusions)
- Essay Writing Skills 3 : writing and revising (Developing an Academic Style)
Presentation Skills : what makes an effective presentation ? (extra session, not assessed)