module specification

OEL001 - English Language Advanced (2017/18)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2017/18
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
 
81 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
219 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Unseen Examination 15%   In class test
Unseen Examination 15%   In class test
Practical Examination 20%   Oral presentation
Coursework 50%   Coursework 1,500 words
Running in 2017/18

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Monday Morning

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.

Prior learning requirements

CEFR level B1 proficiency Ease test 40

Module aims

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

Syllabus

Lexis and phrasing – to include the understanding and appropriate use of:
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:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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 a B2/C1 level

Learning and teaching

The module will be delivered through a blended learning strategy with materials available on Weblearn and other media. Students will be provided with extensive individual and group feedback. Opportunities to reflect on learning and progress are built into the module.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, the students will:

A. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods and conventions of summary and paraphrase
B. Demonstrate competency in spoken English proficiency at a CEFR C1 level.
C. Research a given topic using electronic and paper based resources
D. Use critical thinking to analyse texts and evaluate sources
E. 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)
F. Apply their knowledge of the language to demonstrate flexibility in writing for the needs of a specific target readership.

Assessment strategy

The In-class test assesses outcomes A and E; the oral presentation assesses outcome B; written coursework assesses outcomes C, D and F.
Formative assessment is conducted through class tests and homework

Bibliography

Wilson, JJ and Clare, A (2007) Total English Advanced, Essex, Pearson Longman
New Oxford Dictionary of English (2003) Oxford, OUP
Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2005) Cambridge, CUP
MacCarthy M and O’Dell, F (2007) English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced, Cambridge, CUP
Glendinning, E and Halstrom, B(1992) Study Reading, Cambridge, CUP
Thomas, BJ (1995) Advanced Vocabulary and Idiom, Essex, Pearson Longman
Thornbury, S, (2004) Natural Grammar, Oxford, OUP
Vince, M and Sunderland, P (2003) Advanced Language Practice with key, Oxford, Macmillan