IF0E1J: Academic English 1

Module code: IF0E1J

Module provider: International Study and Language Institute

Credits: 20

Level: Foundation Level

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Mrs Leslie Lust, email: l.lust@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE IF0E2J (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 2 October 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The purpose of this module is to provide the necessary basis in English for study at undergraduate degree level. The focus of the module is on developing and applying skills in English for use in academic situations. The module is for students who do not have the required level of English for their undergraduate degree. It aims to improve their English language skills, taking them to the level required by their target degree. Delivery of the module is face-to-face.  

The aims of the module are:  

• to develop students’ competence in the use of English in academic situations  
• to provide the necessary linguistic foundation to qualify for an undergraduate programme. 
• to introducestudents to perspectives on a range of contemporary topics  
• to introduce students to how to use academic sources in a written and spoken context. 
• to develop students’ confidence in understanding and using English in academic situations. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding by presenting ideas, arguments and information with clarity and reasonable accuracy both orally and in written form using appropriate academic register and conventions
2. Identify key information and vocabulary in authentic reading texts and listening to lectures. comprehend texts at sentence, paragraph, and text level
3. Critically engage with academic reading and listening material

Module content

The focus is on the basics of writing with a carefully scaffolded approach to academic writing at paragraph level. Students will also be introduced to the basics of discussions in pairs on an academic topic.

The module will focus on the development of the following skills in the use of English for Academic Purposes.

• Listening skills: note-taking; listening for key words; listening for detail; identifying main and supporting points and coping with new vocabulary
• Reading skills: reading for specific academic purposes; comprehension at sentence and paragraph level; text analysis; identifying the writer's standpoint; skimming, scanning; understanding main ideas and coping with new vocabulary
• Writing skills: planning, drafting, and editing; paragraph structure; supporting arguments with reference to source material; paraphrasing and summarising
• Speaking skills: participating in discussions; expressing opinion and supporting arguments with reference to source material
• In addition, students actively develop their own academic vocabulary base

Oxford EAP textbook and DVD:

De Chazal, E. and Rogers,L.(2017)Oxford EAP: Intermediate/B1+: Student's Book and DVD-ROM Pack,Oxford University Press.

The module explores global issues pertaining to the relationships between nations, society, corporations, and the environment in the modern world. Students from diverse international backgrounds are encouraged to critically reflect on and expand their global knowledge base both in the classroom and without.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

A blended learning approach is used for teaching the module, with content elements provided onlinethrough guided screencasts, worksheets, and quizzes,while seminars and one-to-one tutorials with the teacher are conducted face to face in interactive classroom settings.

Feedback and feed-forward is provided through seminars and tutorials to aid in learner development.

Students will also be expected to take responsibility for their own learning by setting goals and making regular use of resources including those from the University of Reading library, ISLI’s Self Access Centre for Language Learning and Blackboard (the University Virtual Learning Environment).

The schedule of this module, including start and finish dates, follows that of the January Start Foundation, which does not follow standard University Semesters. There is however significant overlap and Semesters referred to in this document are the University Semesters where most of this module teaching will take place. Information about specific key module dates will be provided by the International Foundation Programme prior to the start of the course.

Study hours

At least 60 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

1. Language Knowledge Test (week 3) 
2. Formative paragraph 1 (week 5) – feedback from tutor 
3. Formative discussion (week 8)  
4. Formative paragraph 2 (week 12) – peer review  

Reassessment

Additional costs