LS1TAL-Techniques and Skills for Applied Linguistics

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: LS1SG Sounds, Grammar and Meaning LS1ELS English Language and Society
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Miss Natalia Kampakli

Email: a.n.kampakli@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Techniques and Skills for Applied Linguistics runs over 2 terms. This module addresses issues of transition from school to university and familiarises students with the key skills and techniques needed in an academic context and in Applied Linguistics/English Language as an area of study. Students benefit from tutorial support.

Learning how research is defined and planned; learning to work with journal articles; understanding what a literature review is; learning how to form research questions; understanding how to choose relevant methodologies; differences between qualitative and quantitative research; the language of research; learning transferable skills, such as presentation skills and group work

Aims:
This module aims to prepare students to deal with the demands of university level work and provides them with the opportunity to enhance their reading, writing, critical thinking, presentation and library skills. It equips them with the skills of researching information, reading critically, planning and developing an argument, writing critically in response to specific tasks and learning how to use feedback effectively. They learn more about exploiting technology e.g. Blackboard, online resources, databases and electronic tutor group activities in the process of completing such tasks as well as about their "electronic footprint". Students also gain a deeper understanding of how to see themselves in terms of the global university context by engaging actively with students from international backgrounds.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to: research, plan and write an extended essay independently; integrate sources effectively through summarising, paraphrasing, quotation and synthesising; apply genre and academic register effectively; produce an individual blog.

Additional outcomes:
It is also expected that the student will be able to:

produce notes and transform them appropriately in order to achieve a specific writing purpose;
learn how to use Turnitin and interpret the report;
gain a deeper understanding of academic conventions and expectations of the academic community;
understand the importance of drawing on academic sources in English Language and Applied Linguistics and working with theories for their writing purpose;
apply feedback in the writing process;
appreciate their electronic footprint, how to manage blogs/forums and online interaction;
become more confident and effective in asking for support from academic staff;
learn how to fully benefit from tutorials and tutor feedback;
learn effective time-management;
develop skills for working in groups.

Outline content:

Transition from school to university; using Blackboard; basic library skills; critical reading e.g. selecting relevant information, recognising new and familiar information, identifying relevance and bias; appropriate use of academic convention e.g. in-text referencing, avoiding plagiarism, use of Turnitin, compiling lists of references; planning tasks and organising information; writing an extended essay independently; synthesis of ideas from literature; understanding theories and how to integrate them into your writing; effective development of argument and evaluation; appropriate choice and use of language for rhetorical effect; use of graphics, tables and other visual input; editing and redrafting; learning how research is defined and planned; learning to work with journal articles; understanding what a literature review is; learning how to form research questions; understanding how to choose relevant methodologies; differences between qualitative and quantitative research; the language of research; learning transferable skills, such as presentation skills and group work.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures; seminars; guided self-study/tutorials/online support

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10
Seminars	4	4
Guided independent study:	86	86
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Report	30
Project output other than dissertation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• 60% written assignment


• 30% research proposal


• 10% video

Formative assessment methods:

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:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Written coursework by 12 noon on the third Friday in August in the year the course is taken.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 16 December 2019