Overview

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

Optional for second year students on any course.

This module is a wide-ranging topic-based course which utilises a multi-media approach to language learning. Various techniques and materials are used, including video & audio recordings and authentic reading texts. The course places particular emphasis on Listening skills, Communication skills, Grammar and Idiomatic English. The six broad topics around which this language work takes place are Health, Homes, Travel, Culture, Work and People & Relationships. Handouts of materials are provided for students.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -40% A student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above (equivalent to IELTS 6.0)A student shows the ability to produce basic written English in a variety of registers and has some awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. There are some errors in grammar and format in the majority of written work.

-good -55% A student has achieved a good standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above (equivalent to IELTS 6.5)A student shows the ability to produce good written English in a variety of registers and has good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. There are only a few errors in grammar and/or format in all written work but these do not interfere with the communication of ideas.

-excellent -70% A student has achieved an exceptional standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above (equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or above)A student shows the ability to produce written English in a variety of registers and has a very good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. There are only a few (minor) errors in grammar or format in all written work. Ideas are communicated effectively and with stylistic elegance.

Learning Outcomes

• Attain a level of grammatical accuracy in English equivalent to IELTS 6 or above.

• Be able to use appropriate English to prepare and deliver a short talk of 3-4 minutes in duration.

• Be able to write appropriately in a variety of registers.

• Have a good operational command of spoken English

• Understand authentic spoken Engilsh at a level equivalent to IELTS 6.

• Understand authentic written English at a level equivalent to IELTS 6.