Overview

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

Optional for second year students on any course.

This module utilises a multi-media, interactive skills approach to language learning, based on up-to-date topics. Various techniques and materials are used, including individual, pair & group work, discussion tasks based on video & audio input, and reading to promote written and spoken response. The course places emphasis on the interactive skills aspect of language use; how the four language skills support and build on one another.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -40% A student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above. A student shows the ability to produce basic written English in a variety of registers and shows some awareness of required structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. There are some errors in grammar and format in the majority of written work.

-good -55% A student has achieved a very good standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above. A student shows the ability to produce good written English in a variety of registers, with a competent good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. There are only a few errors in grammar and/or format in all written work, and these do not interfere with the communication of ideas.

-excellent -70% A student has achieved an excellent standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above. A student shows the ability to produce written English in a variety of registers and a very good competence in production of required structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. There are only a few (minor) errors in grammar or format in all written work. Ideas are communicated effectively and with stylistic elegance, and any errors evident do not interfere with communication of meaning.

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.

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

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