SSST - Academic Writing 1

Academic Writing 1

Faculty of Modern Languages

Department of English

Programme(s) where module is offered

BA English and Applied Studies

Status (core, option, free choice)

Core

FHEQ Level

Unit Value

8 ECTS

Semester taught

Autumn

Pre-Requisite Modules or Qualifications

None

Module Code

ELANG 110

Module coordinator

Azra Sarić,Anida Hadžić

Applicable From

2012

Educational Aims of the Module

This highly practical course takes cues from the Modern Usage and Modern Language courses at Buckingham, and represents the initial writing course within this B.A.
Programme. It aims to develop the students’ basic Writing skills (beginning with paragraph writing), at the same time enforcing a practical application of grammatical rules acquired through ELANG 121 and ELANG 221 (grammar courses in their first year of study).
The course will also provide students with fundamental punctuation and citation skills.
The extensive Course Outline (below) is a step-by-step overview of the key topics to be covered to bring non-native to a proficient level of English.

Module Outline/Syllabus

Paragraph format. The process of writing: brainstorming, drafting, writing, revising.
Paragraph components. Topic sentence. Supporting sentences. Concluding sentence.
Logical division of paragraphs. Principles of good paragraphs: coherence and cohesion. Transition signals.
Academic vocabulary: academic vocabulary in writing; developing critical thinking; reading comprehension.
Plagiarism. Evaluating and citing sources correctly. Paraphrasing.
Introductory paragraphs—Ways of introducing an essay.
Thesis Statements—Topic. Controlling idea. Common pitfalls.
Body paragraphs—Supporting arguments based on the thesis statement. Topic and concluding sentences.
Concluding paragraphs—Summarizing, restating, commenting.
Process and Expository essays—Chronological forms. Transition signals. Applications in practice.
Referencing styles and their use: The Harvard Style of Referencing. Particulars of use. Quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing techniques.

Student Engagement Hours

Type	Number per Term	Duration	Total Time
Lectures	30	2 hours	60 hours
Tutorials	15	2 hours	30 hours
Total Guided/Independent Learning Hours			110
Total Contact Hours			90
Total Engagement Hours			200

Assessment Method Summary

Type	Number Required	Duration / Length	Weighting	Timing / Submission Deadline
Final exam	1	3 hrs	50%	End of semester
Paragraph and Essay Assignment	1	Take home	30%	Mid-semester
Other course assignments	Between 3 to 4	Approximately 1 hr each	20%	Organised throughout the semester

Module Outcomes

Teaching and Learning Strategy:

Presentations by the module convenor (ILO: 1-5)
Practical exercises, readings and assignments as a follow-up to course presentations, or as part of seminars.(ILO: 1-5)
Individual (take-home) assignments. (ILO: 1-5)
Consultations with students. (ILO: 1-5) ILO: 1-5
Presentations by the module convenor (PS: 1-5)
Practical exercises, readings and assignments as a follow-up to course presentations, or as part of seminars.(PS: 1-5)
Individual (take-home) assignments. (PS: 1-5)
Consultations with students. (PS: 1-5)
Presentations by the module convenor (TS: 1-4)
Practical exercises, readings and assignments as a follow-up to course presentations, or as part of seminars.(TS: 1-4)
Individual (take-home) assignments. (TS: 1-4)
Consultations with students (TS:1-4)

Assessment Strategy

Paragraph and Essay Assignment - 30% (ILO: 1-5)
Other course assignments - 20%(ILO: 1-5)
Final Exam - 50%(ILO: 1-5)
Paragraph and Essay Assignment - 30% (PS: 1-5)
Other course assignments - 20%(PS: 1-5)
Final Exam - 50%(PS: 1-4)
Paragraph and Essay Assignment - 30% (TS: 1-4)
Other course assignments - 20% (TS: 1-4)
Final Exam - 50% (TS: 1-3)

Key Texts and/or other learning materials

Set text

Chin, P., Koizumi, Y. et al. (2012). Academic Writing Skills. Volume 1, Singapore, Cambridge University Press.
Chin, P., Reid S. et al. (2012). Academic Writing Skills. Volume 2, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Supplementary Materials

Folse K, Muchmore-Vokoun A, Solomon Vestri E., (2010). Great Sentencess for Great Paragraphs. Third edition. Boston: Heinle, Cengage.
Spack, R., (2007). Guidelines: a cross-cultural reading/writing text. Third edition. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Vince, Michael., (2009). First Certificate: language practice. Fourth edition. Oxford: Macmillan Publishers Limited.
Oshima, A. and Hogue, A. (1999). Writing Academic English (3rd edition). New York: Longman.
Fowler, H.R. & Aaron, J.E. (2009). The Little, Brown Handbook, (with MyCompLab NEW), 10/E
Honegger, M. (2009). Grammar for Writing (1st ed.). Florence, KY: Thomson Learning.

Please note

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the module and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module and programme can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.

Date of Production : 2014

Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee:

Date approved by School Board of Study :

Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee:

Date of Annual Review:

SSST Subjects