LS3PCP-Professional Communication Project

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Summer / Autumn / Spring module
Pre-requisites: LS1ELS English Language and Society LS1TAL Techniques and Skills for Applied Linguistics LS1SG Sounds, Grammar and Meaning
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LS3DI Dissertation
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Christiana Themistocleous

Email: c.themistocleous@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Professional Communication Project

Aims:

This module aims to help students understand how to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the BA program in English Language and Linguistics to the completion of a professional project. Students may choose this module (plus an additional optional module) in lieu of LS3DI. In this module students will propose and implement a project in which they make use of their knowledge about language, linguistics, and communication.  They will work with a ‘host’, which may be an individual, an organization, or company, and they will be supervised by an academic staff member. Possible projects include designing promotional materials, websites, or newsletters for an organization or company, engaging in social media marketing, or planning and executing a public event, working on a research project with an academic, or conducting research for a company or organisation.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• apply concepts from their study of language and linguistics to the process of managing a project including planning, creating a range of text types, and evaluating the outcomes;


• write a professional project proposal and pitch it to a group of stakeholders;


• locate and assemble sources of information necessary for completing the project;


• comm unicate effectively with the range of different kinds of people and organizations;


• critically reflect on their experience.

Additional outcomes:

• The module aims to enhance potential employability on graduation by providing practical experience in the workplace, encouraging development of greater understanding of workplace requirements, and enabling insights on the relationship between the student’s academic studies and their application in practice in a professional setting.


• Confidence, a sense of responsibility, and communication skills will be enhanced.


• Students who successfully complete the module should be able to demonstrate an awareness of how their transferable skills fit into the chosen institution, and identify criteria necessary to enhance his/her value to the institution in the context of graduate employment.

Outline content:

Orientation sessions cover how to come up with an idea, how to write a project proposal, and how to pitch it to a ‘host’. After the selection of hosts, students will produce a proposal which must be approved by both the supervisor and the host before the implementation of the project. Supervision sessions will provide guidance on the conduct of the project at all stages, paying particular attention to the effective and ethical implementation of the project, problem-solving, and cr itical evaluation of outcomes.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summer term, 2nd Year: Orientation sessions. Allocation of supervisors and ‘hosts’. Autumn 3rd Year: Proposal writing. Implementation evaluation and reflection.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	2	2
Supervised time in studio/workshop	3	3
Work-based learning	75
Guided independent study:	20	95
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Project output other than dissertation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

 

1. Proposal (20%)

2. Product (30%)

3. Reflective essay (50%)

 

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive formative feedback on the proposal. 

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:

Re-examination by dissertation to be submitted by 12 noon on the third Friday in August in the year the course is taken.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020