Unit information: English for Specific Purposes 2 in 2010/11

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Unit name English for Specific Purposes 2
Unit code LANG03221
Credit points 20
Level of study QCA-3
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Mr. Lockett
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

LANG 02111, LANG 03111, LANG 01111
Co-requisites

LANG 02221, LANG 01221
School/department Centre for Academic Language and Development
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit consolidates and further develops the subject background knowledge which is generally expected from British University students. It aims to provide a clear understanding of what is expected in terms of the critical analysis of ideas as well as providing a specific context for academic essays and seminars.

Aims:

The unit is a module within the Pathway Certificate (International Foundation Year) programme, designed to prepare international students for undergraduate and postgraduate study in the UK. It is one of a number of complementary units whose overall aim is to improve the language, study skills and subject knowledge required to succeed at a British university. The aim of this unit is the preliminary disciplinary enculturation of students into subject areas relevant to their future undergraduate courses, as part of the overarching aim of further development of higher level study skills in English. Content delivery is in terms of key concepts, language and discourse, with a range of subject-specific texts across various media and formats being deployed to this end.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • read, respond to and make appropriate use of a range of shorter and longer format subject-specific texts
  • produce a range of academic text types through written responses to coursework tasks in given subject areas
  • acquire a sufficient level of critical thinking skills to be able to analyse and discuss specific subjects with a standard of academic rigour approximating undergraduate level
  • prepare and deliver an effective 15-minute oral presentation in a relevant subject-specific area

Teaching Information

Learning is facilitated in small group classroom sessions (average 12, up to 15). Lecture mode, individual and group-based work are deployed as appropriate. Situations will be created which endeavour to replicate the future study contexts students might encounter. In addition to a range of textbooks and authentic written texts, use will be made of appropriate e-learning technologies.

Assessment Information

Set tasks (incl. essay and presentation) based on classroom input (throughout course) = 50%

End-of-module essay = 50%

Reading and References

Check Your Vocabulary for… (various subject titles - Peter Collins Publishing)

Cottrell, Stella (2005) Critical Thinking Skills. Palgrave Macmillan

MacKenzie, Ian (2002) English for Business Studies (2nd edition). Cambridge: CUP

Johanssen, Kristin L. (2006) English for the Humanities. Boston MA: Thomson ELT

Specialist English Dictionaries (various subjects - Longman series)

Related links