Run by School of Arts, Culture and Language

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Mr Andrew Salter

This module, available only to non-native speakers of English, aims to raise students’ English language competence to a level approaching that of an educated first-language (L1) speaker of English in all macro skill areas. It enables them to use the language in a culturally appropriate manner in a wide range of contexts and encourages them towards a greater access to the media and to the world of drama, film and literature. It also enables them to perform more effectively in high-level academic work in any major discipline.

This course is only available to students whose native language is not English.

This course is Compulsory for students taking the BA in Applied Linguistics for English Language Studies, and the BA in English Language Studies.

This double-module course covers all major skill areas of English language at a level approaching that of an educated native speaker. It does not focus solely on 'academic' English, but covers a variety of registers. There is, however, a strong academic slant to much of the work. Components of the course include essay writing, grammar study, reading an approved novel, vocabulary development, listening work, discussions, interview techniques, and examination practice exercises. Successful completion of this course and the following QXS-3002 should enable students to pass the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English Examination, which is placed at ALTE Level 5, corresponding to 'Mastery' in the Council of Europe framework.

good

55% A student has achieved a good standard of English language competence, approximately equivalent to IELTS 7.5. A student shows good ability to produce spoken & written English for a variety of purposes and has good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. S/he is able to discuss and explain text genres and content adequately and with some flair and insight. There are very few errors in grammar and format in the majority of spoken & written work. Vocabulary choice is good but expression may occasionally fall short of first-language (L1) English level.

excellent

70% A student has achieved an exceptional standard of English language competence equivalent to IELTS 8.0 or above. A student shows excellent ability to produce spoken & written English for a variety of purposes and has very good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. S/he is able to discuss and explain text genres and content with considerable flair and insight and at a level almost commensurate with that of an educated L1 English speaker. There are only rarely errors in grammar and format in any spoken & written work. Vocabulary choice is excellent and expression is approaching that of a first-language (L1) English speaker.

threshold

40% A student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard of English language competence for this module, approximately equivalent to IELTS 7.0. A student shows the ability to produce spoken and written English for a variety of purposes and has awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. S/he is able to discuss and explain text genres and content adequately but without flair or insight. There are a few errors in grammar and format in the majority of spoken and written work and vocabulary choice may be comparatively limited and may exhibit evidence of interference from L1.

1. On successful completion of the module, a student will: 1. Be able to write in accurate English for a variety of purposes and audiences. 2. Be able to conduct and report on a conversation with a native (or near-native) speaker of English. 3. Be able to read, understand and appraise a variety of authentic English text genres, including an un-simplified English language novel. 4. Be able to understand, explain and discuss (both verbally and in written form) complex issues relating to both the English language and topics of general interest. 5. Be able to complete grammar and vocabulary exercises at a level equivalent to IELTS 7.0 and above.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
ESSAY	Assignment		15.00
ESSAY	Assignment		15.00
ESSAY	Long Essay		40.00
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION	Presentation		30.00

		Hours
Seminar	Teaching consists of a two-hour interactive class each week for 12 weeks, plus a minimum of one 30 minute tutorial each month. Students are expected to do a considerable amount of independent study in preparation for, and in addition to, the assessed assignments. The Language Centre in the Main Arts Building, and the ELCOS language laboratory in Neuadd Reichel, are also available to students taking the course.	200

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Compulsory in courses:

• Q314: BA International English Language for TEFL year 3 (BA/IELT)