Course syllabus autumn 2020
Course syllabus autumn 2020
Title
Basic English Reading and Vocabulary Skills for University
Swedish title
Grundläggande engelska för universitetsstudier, läsning och ordkunskap
Course code
AK202E
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Education and Society
Syllabus approval date
2018-08-27
Syllabus valid from
2019-01-21
Entry requirements
General requirements for university studies.
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course credits can form part of a degree, but not as a part of English as a major subject.
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to develop students’ vocabulary and reading comprehension skills in English in order to facilitate successful study at university level.
Course contents
The course focuses on:
1. developing awareness of a critical response to readings through the analysis of rhetorical patterns of organization and development (structures, purpose, audience, relationship of ideas)
2. enhancing reading fluency in English through the recognition of contextual clues and the acquisition of vocabulary-building strategies
Learning outcomes
After finishing the course, the student:
1. can confidently apply strategies in order to understand and critically reflect on themed readings in English;
2. has acquired a wider vocabulary, can confidently use these words in a number of contexts, and has developed strategies for learning new words; and
3. can express their thoughts and opinions on readings in a clear and structured manner , both orally and in writing, at a level sufficient for basic university work in English.
Learning activities
A combination of resources is available, including lectures, seminars, peer-reviews and self-study of course literature.
1. To build greater understanding and develop critical reflection:
• During seminars, students are encouraged to explore various interpretations and perspectives in relation to the themed texts, and through this exploration to arrive at a viable standpoint in relation to the issues involved.
2. To develop strategies for using new words and the ability to employ these in new contexts:
• Students are introduced to word-building exercises and other exercises that encourage cross-referencing of meaning in different contexts. In addition, there is a brief introduction to the use of corpora as a vocabulary-building tool, emphasizing collocation.
3. To learn how to express thoughts and opinions orally and in writing:
• Students engage in a range of discussion activities, peer reviews and written tasks where the emphasis is on a rational, balanced, well-argued, and evidence-based approach.
Assessment
The forms of examination are:
1. written in-class examination, 5 credits : This assesses learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3 (writing)
2. written assignment, 1,5 credits: This assesses learning (mainly) learning outcomes 1 and 3 (writing)
3. oral presentation, 1 credit: This assesses learning (mainly) learning outcomes 1 and 3 (spoken)
Grades for the written assignments are A, B, C, D, E, U (Fail); the grade for the peer-review is PASS/FAIL
Students who do not pass the regular course exams are offered two additional re-sit opportunities in connection to the course. After these first three opportunities, students’ right to further re-examination is limited to three additional opportunities. All re-sits follow the same form as the original exams.
Course literature and other study material
Teaching materials will be supplied by the teacher, either in the form of a compendium and/or handouts, or via the course’s electronic platform.
Further reading (recommended but not obligatory):
Godfrey, J. (2013). The Student Phrase Book: Vocabulary for Writing at University. London. Palmgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-230-28933-8
Additional material may be introduced in the course, but no more than 250 pages.
Course evaluation
The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The
University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).
Interim rules
If a course is no longer offered or has undergone major changes, students will be offered two re-take sessions based on the syllabus in force at registration during a period of one year from the date of the implementation of the changes.
Additional information
Language of instruction: English