Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

- identify and select appropriate academic vocabulary
- understand and apply the principles for producing a well-structured, grammatically sound written text
- employ strategies to avoid plagiarism (e.g. paraphrasing, summarising, and correct referencing)
- utilise suitable organisational structures when writing essays for different purposes (e.g. cause and effect, problem-solution)

Credits: 1

Schedule: 03.08.2021 - 10.09.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Matthew Billington, Susan Gamache

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Susan Gamache, Malachy Halpin

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

B1

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The Online Preparatory English: Reading and Writing course focuses on key elements of academic English required for writing essays and completing written tasks at the undergraduate level. It covers a range of topics including avoiding plagiarism, academic vocabulary, academic grammar, and various writing structures. Its online activities promote independent, flexible learning and include self-checked, peer-reviewed, and tutor-assessed learning tasks culminating in the production of a short academic essay. During the course, the students learn to identify and select appropriate academic vocabulary, such as using reported speech verbs, and also to exercise greater control of key tenses by recognising the need for tense shifts.

    Furthermore, students will acquire important skills in avoiding plagiarism (e.g. paraphrasing, summarising, and referencing) and utilise suitable organisational structures when writing essays for different purposes (e.g. cause and effect and problem-solution). Overall, this course will support students in gaining an insight into academic style in accordance with the formal requirements of university study.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Quizzes and mini-lectures

    -Peer review exercises -Forum tasks
    -Final essay
    This is a pass/fail course

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    27 h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Provided by the teacher and students