This module is designed to develop students' academic language and study skills to enable them to participate effectively in their subject studies both during the Bridging Year/Year Zero and in their subsequent undergraduate courses. The Summer term is consolidation and review, with some training in examination techniques.
Module aims
The overall aim of the module is to provide training in study skills and to improve students' general language proficiency. There is some teaching of discrete areas of grammar, discourse and vocabulary but language development is mainly in the context of skills development. The general aims are:
- to develop students' ability to operate effectively, in both written and spoken language, in a range of academic settings
- to help students acquire and practise strategies for effective reading and for academic vocabulary development
- to develop students' basic research skills, encouraging a critical approach to source materials and appropriate use of sources as supporting evidence
- to train students in language awareness so that they become independent learners
Learning outcomes - coursework
On successful completion of the module a student should be able to:
- demonstrate an ability to comprehend, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of source material in both oral and written formats
- follow academic lectures and take efficient, effective notes with a reasonable degree of competence
- process information in a text competently
- integrate source material into a written assignment, developing a clear argument and referencing appropriately
Learning outcomes - examination
On successful completion of the module a student should be able to:
- perform well under examination conditions
- demonstrate effective time management skills
- apply appropriate and effective language and study skills acquired throughout the duration of the academic year
- express ideas effectively without immediate recourse to source material
- work autonomously during revision periods
Syllabus
The syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in English:
Reading
- Reading for gist
- Extensive and intensive reading
- Reading for specific information, skimming and scanning
- Reading critically and selectively
Listening and note-taking
- Distinguishing main ideas from examples, digressions, re-statement - contrasted with transcription
- Using abbreviations and diagrammatic representations in order to become more efficient
- Listening critically
Writing
- Analysing assignment requirements
- Working within word limits and meeting deadlines
- Writing essays which develop a coherent, well-supported argument
- Avoiding plagiarism through careful note-taking and accurate and appropriate referencing
- Writing well structured introductions and conclusions
Speaking
- Participation in seminars and discussion of subject content
- Making a presentation on an academic topic using IT and visual aids appropriately and handling questions
Assessment
Coursework is comprised of:
Two in-class tests in weeks 10 (25%) and 24 (30%) - Feedback provided in weeks 17 and 31.
One group oral presentation during week 22 (20%) - Feedback provided in week 25.
One individual redrafted essay (15%). Assignment handed in during week 16 and 19. Feedback provided in weeks 18 and 21.
One reflective event entry (10%). Event taking place in week 25. Feedback provided in week 30.
End-of-year three-hour exam.
Module aims
The overall aim of the module is to provide training in study skills and to improve students' general language proficiency. There is some teaching of discrete areas of grammar, discourse and vocabulary but language development is mainly in the context of skills development. The general aims are:
- to develop students' ability to operate effectively, in both written and spoken language, in a range of academic settings
- to help students acquire and practise strategies for effective reading and for academic vocabulary development
- to develop students' basic research skills, encouraging a critical approach to source materials and appropriate use of sources as supporting evidence
- to train students in language awareness so that they become independent learners
Learning outcomes - coursework
On successful completion of the module a student should be able to:
- demonstrate an ability to comprehend, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of source material in both oral and written formats
- follow academic lectures and take efficient, effective notes with a reasonable degree of competence
- process information in a text competently
- integrate source material into a written assignment, developing a clear argument and referencing appropriately
Learning outcomes - examination
On successful completion of the module a student should be able to:
- perform well under examination conditions
- demonstrate effective time management skills
- apply appropriate and effective language and study skills acquired throughout the duration of the academic year
- express ideas effectively without immediate recourse to source material
- work autonomously during revision periods
Syllabus
The syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in English:
Reading
- Reading for gist
- Extensive and intensive reading
- Reading for specific information, skimming and scanning
- Reading critically and selectively
Listening and note-taking
- Distinguishing main ideas from examples, digressions, re-statement - contrasted with transcription
- Using abbreviations and diagrammatic representations in order to become more efficient
- Listening critically
Writing
- Analysing assignment requirements
- Working within word limits and meeting deadlines
- Writing essays which develop a coherent, well-supported argument
- Avoiding plagiarism through careful note-taking and accurate and appropriate referencing
- Writing well structured introductions and conclusions
Speaking
- Participation in seminars and discussion of subject content
- Making a presentation on an academic topic using IT and visual aids appropriately and handling questions
Assessment
Coursework is comprised of:
Two in-class tests in weeks 10 (25%) and 24 (30%) - Feedback provided in weeks 17 and 31.
One group oral presentation during week 22 (20%) - Feedback provided in week 25.
One individual redrafted essay (15%). Assignment handed in during week 16 and 19. Feedback provided in weeks 18 and 21.
One reflective event entry (10%). Event taking place in week 25. Feedback provided in week 30.
End-of-year three-hour exam.