Module overview
This module has been designed to ensure that students have the specific English language skills needed to study as an undergraduate student. Students are also taught how to show the sources of the information they use in their work by referencing their work using the Harvard referencing convention.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- how academic texts are structured
- the English language skills need to study as an undergraduate at a British university.
- the relevant conventions followed in academic English (both written and spoken);
- what is expected of an undergraduate student in British Higher Education, especially in terms of approach to studying and learning;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Extract and synthesise key information from written and spoken sources;
- Present reasoned and structured arguments, both orally and in written form;
- Interpret and analyse a range of information;
- Express facts and concepts clearly using appropriate language;
- understand detailed reasoning.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- effective reading, listening, presentation techniques
- Using citation and referencing to acknowledge source materials
- command of academic English vocabulary
- Effective note taking
- Writing cohesive, well contracted essays and reports
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Organise your study time effectively;
- Take part in discussion, seminars and tutorials;
- Apply a range of reading strategies;
- Work as a member of a team by cooperating with others, negotiating, listening to others in a group, sharing responsibilities & tasks and meeting deadlines:
- Listen to, understand and take notes in lectures;
- Employ a range of general and academic vocabulary appropriately
- Write short academic essays including pieces of researched writing;
- Prepare and deliver oral presentations, both individually and as part of a team.
Syllabus
Through the study of a series of current topics, you will gain the ability to analyse and express your views on these themes. The will enable you to apply the concepts learned through the medium of academic English. You will become more autonomous and independent in your approach to academic study. You will develop language and study skills to help you succeed on your undergraduate programme: listening skills for greater understanding and better note taking in lectures; speaking skills for successful participation in seminars and discussion groups; reading skills for more effective reading; referencing skills for selecting useful sources and using the library effectively; writing skills for effective academic assignments and exam answers.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
Lectures, seminars and individual support from your academic advisor.
Learning activities include
Individual study, group and pair work, preparing presentations and discussions in small groups and tutorials.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 50 |
| Revision | 50 |
| Follow-up work | 50 |
| Seminar | 42 |
| Completion of assessment task | 26 |
| Lecture | 42 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 40 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
University of Southampton study skills materials.
Textbooks
De Chazal E. et al (2012). Oxford EAP – Upper Intermediate.
Williams K. & Carroll J. (2009). Referencing & Understanding Plagiarism.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback on oral presentations classroom guidance on coursework and project work. on your work via academic advisors Your work will be formally assessed through:- two reading and writing exams two listening exams an oral presentation an assessed seminar four essaysSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 30% |
| Presentation | 15% |
| Essay | 20% |
| Open Book Exam | 10% |
| Open Book Exam | 15% |
| Listening | 10% |