LS3LTY-Literacy

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: LS1SG Sounds, Grammar and Meaning and LS1ELS English Language and Society
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Tony Capstick

Email: tony.capstick@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to explore the nature of literacy across of range of social and educational settings. We will consider writing as one of humanity’s greatest achievements and take a historical perspective on the role of reading and writing in our lives. There is a focus on different writing systems from across the globe - from the development of writing systems in the Middle East to the use of language online in contemporary settings, the module investigates the changing uses and purposes of literacy. By the end of the module, students will have developed an understanding of how social and critical literacies can be drawn on in educational settings in settings in the Global North as well as the Global South (South Africa).

Aims:

This module aims to explore the nature of literacy practices, drawing on a range of social and educational contexts. We will consider both school-based and home-based written language and will review methodological approaches to research in reading and writing. The main aim is that students are able to take an ethnographic approach to understanding literacy by analysing community literacy practices.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Collect and analyse data on literacy practices;


• Summarize major theories of literacy from social perspectives;


• Discuss literacy practices in different contexts (education and multilingual):


• Describe writing systems.

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to encourage the development of students’ critical thinking skills, in relation to evaluating ideas, research and teaching approaches. Students will be encouraged to use IT resources for asynchronous discussion of key topics. Oral presentation skills will be promoted.

Outline content:

The module will look at reading and writing throughout history; social practices approaches to literacy in school and home settings; language and literacy online; multilingual literacies; critical literacy. We will also look at meanings of literacy in different traditions, literacy acquisition, and new literacies. We will consider a variety of research methods. We will discuss writing systems and the social bases of literacy, including multilingual literacy practices.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Integrated lectures with workshops and oral presentations.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Wider reading (directed)	20
Exam revision/preparation	20
Advance preparation for classes	20
Preparation for presentations	10
Preparation for seminars	20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	20
Revision and preparation	20
Essay preparation	20
Reflection	10
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	45
Written assignment including essay	45
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour examination, with two questions.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write one essay of 2,000 – 2,500 words. (45%)

Formative assessment methods:

• Feedback on group preparation for oral presentation;


• Feedback on assignment outline.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor 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:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework by12 noon on the third Friday in August in the year the course is taken.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020