OEL001 - English Language Advanced (2020/21)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2020/21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Module title | English Language Advanced | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Module level | Level 4/5/6 (99) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total study hours | 300 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2020/21(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module is designed for students to advance their English language skills up to the level required for their study. The module focuses on improving students’ English language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. There is a strong focus on vocabulary development, language accuracy and acquiring effective learning strategies. The module is adaptable to the language abilities of students and can be taught to students studying in different years.
Students will:
• develop their spoken and written English, express opinions and take part in discussions and seminars at Common European Framework of Reference C1 level
• read widely in a variety of subject areas and identify both main points and detail
• expand their passive and active vocabulary
• identify and use appropriate register in written and oral texts
• develop their knowledge of academic English in relation to their studies
Prior learning requirements
CEFR level B1 proficiency Ease test 40
Syllabus
Lexis and phrasing – to include the understanding and appropriate use of: LO5
Idioms and phrasal verbs, metaphor and simile, prefixes and suffixes, word building, common collocations, academic English vocabulary, lexical fields relating to the notional-functional contexts above.
Language structure – the following will be analysed and used in a variety of contexts: LO1
• passive structures
• verb patterns
• linking words of time and contrast
• sentence adverbials
• conditionals
• continuous aspect
• modals of deduction and uses of would
• future forms
Reading and writing – students will study a number of texts from different sources and: LO3, LO4, LO6
• identify and critically analyse finer points of detail including attitudes and implied as well as stated opinions
• understand in detail a wide range of lengthy, complex texts
• write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects
• support points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples from outside sources
• write in a number of different styles, such as reports, letters, reviews and essays
Listening – students will be introduced to a variety of authentic sources and: LO2
• achieve comprehension, including listening for main points
• check comprehension by using contextual clues
• infer attitude, mood and intentions and anticipate what will come next
• take appropriate notes from sustained listening texts
Speaking – students will: LO2
• identify and improve areas of weak pronunciation
• practise interacting appropriately in a variety of formal and informal situations
• present information, including expanding and supporting points of view at B2/C1 level
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
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 weekly tasks to complete on Weblearn in order to support their independent learning experience.
Students will be provided with individual and group feedback on a weekly basis. Opportunities to reflect on learning and progress are built into the module. In particular, students will use the allocated online forum to share their reflections and provide peer-to-peer feedback.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods and conventions of summary and paraphrase.
2. Demonstrate competency in spoken English proficiency at a CEFR C1 level.
3. Research a given topic using electronic and paper based resources.
4. Use critical thinking to analyse texts and evaluate sources.
5. Use strategies for the acquisition of vocabulary and textual awareness in a variety of contexts (literature, finance, journalism, medicine, IT, leisure and tourism, arts, environment and economy).
6. Apply their knowledge of the language to demonstrate flexibility in writing for the needs of a specific target readership.
Assessment strategy
As the learning outcomes for this modules are based on the development of language skills, the assessment instruments were chosen because of their practical characteristics.
The reading and writing exam assesses the students’ ability to critically evaluate academic sources and writing a report using the information provided and their own ideas. It also requires students to make use of specialised vocabulary and deal with complex language.
The individual presentation offers a clear opportunity to assess the achievement of a C1/C2 level (CEFR) of oral communication. It also requires the student to familiarise themselves with relevant literature and evaluate their usefulness for the task. More importantly, this task allows the student adopt an independent role in their choice of topic as they can research an area of their own interest.
Similarly, the written assignment is a useful tool in the assessment of writing conventions and use of academic English at a C1/C2 level. As with the oral presentation, students are free to research a relevant topic of their choice, which will enable them to familiarise themselves with specialised vocabulary and different types of academic sources (e.g., journal articles, monographs, conference proceedings, and more).
Bibliography
Core resource:
Bailey, S. (2018) Academic writing: a handbook for international students. 5th Edition. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. Available at: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/londonmet/detail.action?docID=5178437.
Additional resources:
Hewings, M. (2005). Advanced grammar in use: a reference and practice book for advanced learners of English. Cambridge, England, Cambridge University Press.
McCarthy, M. and O’Dell, F. (2017) English phrasal verbs in use: 60 units of vocabulary reference and practice : self-study and classroom use, Advanced. 2nd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Vince, M. (2014) Language practice for advanced: English grammar and vocabulary. 4th edition. London: Macmillan.