Advanced Professional and Academic English

Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

School:

School of Arts and Humanities

Credit Rating:

Level (including FHEQ):

I (FHEQ Level 5)

Graded or Non Graded:

Graded

Version Valid From:

2023-08-03

Module Leader:

Merrick Burrow

Version Number

2024.01

Learning Methods

Tutorial and Project Supervision

Guided Independent Study

Synopsis

The module is designed for students who already have a good level of competence in spoken and written English and will support them to further enhance their language and academic skills. Students will refine and develop higher level thinking skills such as critical analysis, problem-solving, synthesis, inference and metacognition. Advanced oral role-plays, group discussions and debates will serve to improve spontaneity and sophistication of expression, whilst written activities will build greater fluency in the use of linguistic structures. They will work with extended academic texts and understand such academic skills as synthesising sources, literature reviews, methodologies, paraphrasing and a range of accurate citation skills. As the module runs alongside their university studies, there is an emphasis on and an incentive to use skills that complement work done in the main area of study and which will be of use in and beyond an academic context. The use of regular AM/AI-proof tasks will ensure students develop an understanding of their own learning and the role they themselves play in developing their knowledge and skills. The module contributes to the attainment of skills appropriate to the B2+ to C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.

Learning Strategy

Students will receive guidance, support and the opportunity to practise the language skills leading to the learning outcomes described below. Through regular AM/AI-proof tasks, students will develop competence in offering critique and analysis and will fulfill the academic requirement to support claims with multiple sources. Students work individually and in small groups on topics and study skills, and exploit these in class by producing written work and communicating orally with other members of the group. Regular tasks will be completed both inside and outside the classroom in order to monitor progress. By submitting and receiving feedback on these tasks, students will be able to benefit from the advice of their tutor and reflect on the process on an ongoing basis. Students' learning will be supported by the VLE, which contains information about the module and staff involved in teaching it. Any special needs that students may have due to disability will be discussed with the Subject Area Lead.

Outline Syllabus

The syllabus will typically focus on developing the necessary skills and strategies needed to successfully complete academic assignments. The content will include: professional/academic conference presentation skills, seminar skills, synthesis of sources, counter-argument and refutation, extended writing, complex citation skills, literature reviews, methodologies and avoidance of Academic Misconduct. A wide range … For more content click the Read More button below.

The syllabus will typically focus on developing the necessary skills and strategies needed to successfully complete academic assignments. The content will include: professional/academic conference presentation skills, seminar skills, synthesis of sources, counter-argument and refutation, extended writing, complex citation skills, literature reviews, methodologies and avoidance of Academic Misconduct. A wide range of activities across the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening will be delivered according to level B2+to C1.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will

Understand a routine range of key linguistic structures and routine conventions characteristic of the language.

Understand and respond in depth to key ideas from written and aural sources.

Communicate orally with a competent level of linguistic accuracy within a wide range of academic or professional topics / situations.

Communicate in written form with a competent level of linguistic accuracy within a wide range of academic or professional topics / situations.

Gather and comment on complex information relevant to targeted topics for study and exploitation.

Critically reflect on learning in terms of progress and skills development during the course of the module.

Formative Assessment

Assessment 1: Written assignment (coursework)

Summative Assessment

Assessment 1: Written Assignment

Assessment 2: Oral Assessment

Assessment 3: Written Assignment

Assessment Criteria

The learner will have to demonstrate adequate knowledge, understanding and ability before credit is awarded. Communication in the language is achieved with fluency, clarity and accuracy appropriate to the level. Marks are awarded in accordance with the details laid out in the Modern Languages Marking Scheme booklet, available on the … For more content click the Read More button below. Feedback is generally given via the Assignment Assessment Sheets, except in cases where the nature of the assignment means that a different form of written feedback is more appropriate.

Marks are awarded in accordance with the details laid out in the Modern Languages Marking Scheme booklet, available on the VLE.

Feedback is generally given via the Assignment Assessment Sheets, except in cases where the nature of the assignment means that a different form of written feedback is more appropriate.

My Reading

Reading List

Cottrell, S. (2011). Critical thinking skills: Developing effective analysis and argument (2nd ed.) Palgrave Macmillan

Cottrell, S. (2017;). Dissertations and project reports: A step by step guide. Palgrave Macmillan.

Cottrell, S. (2013). Study skills handbook. Palgrave Macmillan

Drew, S., & Bingham, R. (2016;2010;2017;2012;). The guide to learning and study skills: For higher education and at work. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315239286

Hewings, M. (2005). Advanced grammar in use: A self-study reference and practice book for advanced learners of english, with answers (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press

McCarthy, M., & O'Dell, F. (2013). English vocabulary in use: Advanced, vocabulary reference and practice with answers (Second ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Moran, Aidan. (2018). Managing your own learning at university. A practical guide. (Third ed.). University College Dublin Press

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