IL1PPLSUN-Preliminary Language and Skills for University Study

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 0 [0 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Miss Victoria Collins
Email: v.collins@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Karin Whiteside
Email: k.whiteside@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is the first module for the 39-week Pre-sessional English Language Programme designed for students who are entering the Programme at a pre-intermediate level of English language proficiency and will study Academic English for one year before starting their degree programme. The module aims to equip students with a foundation of general and academic language competency which will enable them to engage successfully with the academic English modules delivered from January to September.

Aims:

This module aims to develop students’ English language competency to a level at which they will be able to successfully engage with the Pre-sessional English Language Programme academic English modules delivered from January to September.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Because this module is delivered early within in a Pre-sessional English language programme, Learning Outcomes measure progress towards, rather than programme exit levels of, academic language proficiency and skill.  

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be better able to:  

• write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within their field of interest, by linking a series ofshorter discrete elements into a linear sequence. 


• read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to their field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension


• communicate orally with some confidence on familiar routine matters, exchanging, checking and confirming information, expressing personal opinions and exchanging information on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life


• be more confident in dealing with less routine situations e.g. expressing thoughts on more abstract, cultural topics such as films, books, music


• better understand standard spoken language live or broadcast, with support, on both familiar and unfamiliar topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. 


• produce basic sentence forms with reasonable accuracy and use a limited range of more complex structures.

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be better able to: 

• exercise autonomy and initiative in time management 


• use a variety of strategies and resources for the purpose of independent language study 


• become a confident user of the university’s VLE [Blackboard], submission and assessment tools e.g. Feedback Studio, and other learning technologies e.g. Office 365 


• reflect on the skills and language needed to continue developing 


• understand how to use tutor feedback to identify areas for improvement 

Outline content:

A reputable published English for Academic Purposes textbook series will be drawn on for this foundational-level module, the National Geographic Pathways Level 1 (A2-B1) Listening, Speaking and Critical Thinking and Reading, Writing and Critical Thinking textbooks. A course map will be designed to work through these materials and more details will be provided in a later draft of this module description.

Global context:

This module supports internationalisation at Reading by facilitating successful and equal inclusion of students whose first language is not English in UK degree programme study.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will take a task-based integrated approach to developing the receptive and productive general and academic language knowledge and skills.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	150
Guided independent study:
Preparation for seminars	80
Completion of formative assessment tasks	60
Reflection	60
Total hours by term	350	0	0
Total hours for module	350

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method

Percentage

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

There is no summative assessment in this module. A portfolio of receptive and productive work will be used to develop students' language skills and to provide feedback on their progress.  

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:

Reassessment arrangements:

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: 30 March 2023