BMM4462 - English for Academic Purposes 1

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 Communicate appropriately in English both orally and in writing with a sufficient degree of fluency and accuracy both for academic and professional purposes;
2 Demonstrate effective listening, note-taking, reading and writing strategies appropriate to their chosen programme of study;
3 Demonstrate an understanding of grammar and vocabulary appropriate for academic contexts.
4 Understand a range of aspects of British life and culture.

Content:

The aim of the module is to provide the English language support required to enhance students’ ability to engage more fully with their degree programme.
Topics will include:
• Note-taking and academic listening skills
• Academic reading skills development
• Oral skills for discussions and seminars
• Presentation skills
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Academic writing skills for essays and reports eg understanding assignment titles, planning and structuring, including sources, cohesion, academic style, referencing etc
• Revision and extension of key grammar for academic purposes
• Developing academic and subject-specific vocabulary as appropriate to students’ degree programmes.

Learning and Teaching Information:

An appropriate range of materials will be used from a variety of sources including authentic material, e.g. from newspapers, websites, the BBC as well as commercially available English language teaching material. Sessions will be taught using communicative methodology, with students encouraged to work together on tasks, whenever possible in pairs or small groups, to maximise opportunities for speaking. A variety of resources for independent use will be recommended and learner independence encouraged through guided self-directed learning tasks, which will form part of the final portfolio assessment. Semester 2 will culminate in an intensive six week placement period which will consist of a variety of activities including taught EAP sessions, academic visits and work experience in the voluntary sector. br>
English language taught sessions (workshops and seminars):
Contact hours: 40 hrs in 2x 10 week blocks in semesters 1 and 2.
plus
A further 40 hours of taught sessions in the 6 weeks intensive course at the end of semester 2

Total= 80 contact hours
Intended Group size: Max 15

Guided independent study / work experience/ educational visits
Total hours: 120 hours

Additional assessment information
Students are required to submit 2 portfolios of written work, each containing a minimum of 5 short essays based on topics studied in class. Essays will be set at regular intervals throughout semesters 1 and 2 as homework tasks. Students submit essays regularly and then revise, based on tutor feedback. Both originals and improved versions must be submitted in the final portfolio (re-written essays are not included in the minimum word-count). Students must also include a reflective independent learning log in each portfolio, detailing activities undertaken in guided independent study time plus 3 short reflective pieces of writing. At the end of the placement period, students will write a report and give an oral presentation on the same topic. All components of the module must be passed for progression to Level 5.

Other relevant matters
This module is for all students identified as needing specialist language support. Individual needs will be identified through the admissions process, through intro-week and in-sessional classes. Pre-sessional assessment will also be undertaken where possible.

Assessment:

001 5 short essays 300 words each, reflective log & 3 peices of reflective writing 250 words each (during & end of sem 1) %
002 5 short essays 300 words each, reflective log & 3 peices of writing 250 words each (during & end of sem 2) %
003 Oral presentation (individual) 10-15 mins (end of sem 2) %
004 Report (Individual) 1 x 2000 words (end of sem 2) %
005 Semester 1 only assessments Visiting students 100%


Click here to go back to previous page