module specification

This module is designed for students to advance and deepen their academic English skills up to the level required for their study, including post-graduate study. The module focuses on key aspects of academic English language use including genre awareness and familiarity with a range of different academic genres, structuring writing, using academic conventions, selecting and referencing suitable sources, and developing argumentation and critical thinking. There is a strong focus on academic communication via both writing and presentations, with chances for vocabulary development and acquiring effective learning and research strategies. The module is adaptable to the language abilities of students, making it suitable for both learners of English and those with English as their first language, and can be taught to students studying in different years.

Students will:
• develop their understanding of and familiarity with different academic genres
• develop their spoken and written English, express opinions and take part in discussions and activities at a C1 level
• read and listen within a variety of subject areas and identify both main points and details
• expand their passive and active vocabulary
• identify and use appropriate register in written texts and speaking in response to genre requirements
• develop their knowledge of academic English in relation to their studies with a specific focus on clear structure and following academic conventions such as register, structuring and referencing

Ease 50+ or minimum B2 Common European Framework

The module will cover key aspects of genre analysis and help students identify different genres and their key features (LO1), extract, summarise and paraphrase primary and secondary information and apply this skill to a variety of different genres (LO2, LO4). Spoken English skills will be developed through presentations (LO4) and research will form the basis of the written and oral assessment elements (LO3). Source texts will cover a range of different topics, providing students with the opportunity to acquire new vocabulary and develop awareness within different contexts (LO3, LO4). All acquired skills and knowledge will find application in the written coursework as well as the oral presentation for assessment (LO4).

The module will be delivered through a blended learning strategy. Information and activities to support and further develop the skills required to pass the module will be offered in the classroom and through media. Students will be given optional weekly tasks and activities on Weblearn in order to support their independent learning experience.

Students will be provided with individual and group feedback throughout the term. Opportunities to reflect on learning and progress are built into the module. In particular, students will have the chance to share their reflections and provide peer-to-peer feedback.

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

1. Distinguish between a range of different genres (e.g. essay, research report, review)
2. Identify and apply the methods and conventions of academic English structure, summary, paraphrase, quotes and referencing in a wide variety of contexts.
3. Use critical thinking to analyse texts and evaluate sources, prioritising academic sources in the process, in order to support arguments.
4. Apply knowledge of language to demonstrate flexibility in writing and presentation for the needs of a specific target audience in line with relevant genre conventions.

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