IL1GEE-English for Erasmus

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
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:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Mrs Wendy Hillier
Email: w.l.hillier@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is for Erasmus exchange students. It will help them to improve their understanding and use of the English language in reading, writing, listening and speaking, both in an academic and everyday context. In particular, the primary focus during the Autumn Term is on developing students’ academic writing in English, whilst in the Spring Term the emphasis lies on discussing topical issues in the news and analysing stance in news articles.

The course is intended for students with an entry level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) B2. On successful completion of the course students will have achieved CEF C1/C1+. Please note that if your level of English is already higher than CEF C1, you may find that this module is not suitable for you. We are unfortunately not able to offer a course specifically at CEF C2 level at present, but students with this level of English may nevertheless find aspects of this module beneficial if they choose to take it.

This module is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. At this level of study, students identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined, but complex and non-routine. In language learning this can entail:

• acquiring knowledge of grammar and vocabulary;


• developing strategies for learning and independent learning skills, and thus exercising autonomy and judgement;


• practising the language in the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, in order to communicate within defined situations;


• developing tools in order to be able to respond to unexpected occurrences;


• gaining understanding of different perspectives and cultural differences.

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups. Also, students should be aware that spelling, grammar and sentence structure are assessed. In this respect the assessment for this module is exempt from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking. For queries, contact w.l.hillier@reading.ac.uk. 

Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring (study abroad students who are at the university for one term can take the module in Autumn or Spring only)

Aims:

This module aims:

• to enable students to improve their competence in the four language skills and consolidate their knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and language register;


• to extend and enhance students’ communicative abilities with a focus on relevant topics in order to equip them with the ability to study and participate in an English-speaking environment;


• to develop their ability to express themselves effectively in a wide range of situations, including in an academic context;


• to improve their understanding of English as it is used in a range of written and spoken contexts, both general and more academic;


• to improve their ability to write critically in an academic style, using supporting evidence as appropriate;


• to provide advanced pronunciation training and to improve students’ confidence in using English in spoken contexts such as seminar discussions and oral presentations;


• to extend their cultural awareness.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• clearly communicate information and arguments of some complexity in spoken and written English, in order to produce coherent and accurate essays and oral contributions;


• read, understand and make use of information from a wide range of written texts and spoken discourse in a variety of topic areas;


• correctly apply a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures in an appropriate register, enabling more complex information to be communicated;


• research, construct and present a clear argument, and express and defend opinions on a wide range of current issues;


• apply their awareness of cultural and language-learning issues to spoken and written work.

Additional outcomes:

Students will:

• be involved in regular group activities and gain confidence in presenting ideas orally;


• make progress through developing skills of independent language study and application;


• develop an awareness of and sensitivity to British culture, in which they will be equipped to study and participate;


• be able to transfer some of the skills acquired on this course to their concurrent study of other modules.

Outline content:

Students will learn:

• to improve the clarity, accuracy, complexity and appropriacy of their spoken and written English;


• to discuss topics of current interest and explain their relevance to their own lives;


• to express and justify personal opinions and construct a reasoned argument;


• to extract information from authentic written and spoken texts;


• to interact effectively with native and non-native speakers in academic and informal contexts.

Global context:

The module draws on students’ experiences and unique perspectives as visiting students from other European countries. It provides opportunities to reflect on aspects of British culture encountered whilst studying abroad and to compare and contrast these with students’ knowledge of their home culture(s). The module aims to develop students’ intercultural competence and awareness, both in terms of language use and discovering the host culture around them.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course provides a systematic approach to developing students’ existing language skills in a communicative context. Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and discussions. Course content will be delivered through a combination of seminars as well as online delivery to include, for example, screenscasts, narrated powerpoints, live sessions and discussion boards.  Students will study appropriate written and listening material and p roduce oral and written responses. They will extend their grammatical and lexical knowledge through teacher presentation and interaction with peers. Learning activities are supported by various media such as audio, video and online resources where appropriate. The module is taught entirely in the target language. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	30	30
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10	10
Advance preparation for classes	20	20
Preparation for presentations		5
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10	5
Essay preparation	20	20
Reflection	10	10
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	60
Oral assessment and presentation	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students taking the module in Autumn Term + Spring Term:

Autumn Term Week 11 – Project: written essay (1600 words) – 30%

Spring Term Week 11 – Project: written essay (1600 words) – 30%

Spring Term Week 11 – Oral discussion (10 minutes per pair) – 40%

Students taking the module in Autumn Term only:

Autumn Term Week 11 – Project: written essay (1600 words) – 60%

Autumn Term Week 11 – Oral discussion based on project (10 minutes per pair) – 40%

Students taking the module in Spring Term only:

Spring Term Week 11 – Project: written essay (1600 words) – 50%

Spring Term Week 11 – Oral discussion (10 minutes per pair) – 50%

Formative assessment methods:

In order to consolidate and develop their language learning, students are encouraged to complete additional tasks – in class and outside – on which feedback is provided.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

Min. 40% overall for UG students, 50% for PGT students.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework (different title or topic), coursework with a mark above 40% may be carried forward. Submission by 2pm on third Friday in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: you may be asked to buy this grammar book for use in the Autumn Term (cost = approx. £24): Hewings, M. (2013). Advanced Grammar in Use (3rd ed.). CUP. However, the University Library also has several copies.

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: 22 September 2022