Global context:

This module develops international students’ ability to communicate in English in a variety of contexts specific to Arts and Communication Design, which will help them adapt to the UK study context and develop their intercultural competence.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching and learning is facilitated through a combination of Task-Based Learning (TBL), guided analysis of texts, and feedback on assessment tasks.

A Task-Based Learning approach is used to develop communication skills and productive vocabulary knowledge.  In class, students participate in task cycles in which students: (1) study target vocabulary within a spoken or written text; (2) use the target vocabulary in a writing or speaking task; (3) reflect on/review their performance; (4) repeat the writing task/speaking task.  This task cycle is complemented by guided independent learning of connected vocabulary and language outside class.

Guided analysis of model texts is used to develop knowledge of register, genre, structure and cohesion.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	20
Guided independent study:	80	80
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Oral assessment and presentation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

To help students develop their communication skills over the duration of the module, summative assessment will be spread out over two terms as follows:

• Autumn term:
  
  
  
  • Written assignment       20%
  
  
  • Oral assessment           30%
  
  
  
  


• Spring term:
  
  
  
  • Written assignment       25%
  
  
  • Oral assessment           25%
  
  
  
  

Spreading assessment out gives students the opportunity to respond to feedback and make improvements.

Formative assessment methods:

Because much of the content will be delivered through Task-Based Learning, students will be given many opportunities to work towards the assessable learning outcomes in a formative manner.  At each of these points, there will be an opportunity for formative feedback from peers and from the tutor.  

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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:

Overall mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will comprise of coursework carried out over the summer period in the event of a student failing their degree programme overall.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 26 July 2021