Overview

This course is available only to students of non-native English speaking background.

Optional for second year students on any course.

The Integrated Skills 2 module utilises a multi-media, interactive skills approach to studying and developing English language skills. Real language use combines some or all of the four language skills (reading, listening, speaking & writing) in producing effective communication, and this module allows you opportunities to practice and develop your English in the same way.

Various media will be used, including audio, audio& visual, written text. We will use group-, pair- and individual-work in class.

NOTE: You may already have taken the Semester 1 module QXS2001 (Integrated Skills 1) and so you will find that QXS2002 is a similar module to that. However, the Integrated Skills 1 module is not a pre-requisite to taking this module, so any students who did not take the Semester 1 module, can still take this Semester 2 module.

This course is only available to students whose native language is not English.

Optional for second year students on any course.

This module is a wide-ranging topic-based course which utilises a multi-media approach to language learning. Various techniques and materials are used, including video tapes and authentic reading texts. The course places particular emphasis on Writing skills, Reading skills, Vocabulary development and Communicative grammar. The six broad topics around which this language work takes place are the Media, Learning & Teaching, Science & Technology, Entertainment, Crime & Punishment, and Stranger and Fiction. Handouts of materials are provided for students.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -40% A student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above (equivalent to IELTS 6.0)A student shows the ability to produce basic written English for a variety of purposes and has some awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. S/he is able to discuss statistical information at a basic level but may not be aware of implications arising from it. There are some errors in grammar and format in the majority of written work.

-good -55% A student has achieved a good standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above(equivalent to IELTS 6.5)A student shows the ability to produce good written English for a variety of purposes and in a variety of registers and has good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. S/he is able to discuss statistical information well and demonstrates some awareness of implications arising from it but may not explore these fully. There are only a few errors in grammar and/or format in all written work but these do not interfere with the communication of ideas.

-excellent -70% A student has achieved an exceptional standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above (equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or above)A student shows the ability to produce excellent written English for a variety of purposes and in a variety of registers and has very good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. S/he is able to discuss statistical information with knowledge and understanding and with excellent awareness of any implications arising from it. There are very few errors in grammar or format in all written work and communication of ideas is clear and effective.

Learning Outcomes

• Access and respond actively to different media types - audio/visual & written texts - to develop an improved communicative competence.

• Develop competence in using a range of new vocabulary.

• Investigate the integrative nature of the four language skills in producing effective communication in English.

• Listen to others and respond appropriately and with more confidence using spoken & written communication.

• Recognise and utilise a variety of grammatical structures within English language production.