SSST - Use of English

Use of English

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

6 ECTS

Semester taught

Autumn

Pre-Requisite Modules or Qualifications

None

Module Code

ELANG 120

Module coordinator

Sabina Gadzo Mutapcic

Applicable From

2012

Educational Aims of the Module

This course is designed to bring the English language proficiency of students in the first year to level B2 or C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is done within three interrelated segments:
Language Practice for the First Certificate exam – Having taken the FCE as a referential medium for testing the English of students at this level, the course develops the speaking, reading and grammar skills that students taking the FCE need to master.
Translation – Basic translation practice from English into Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian, focusing on a variety of diverse texts: literary works, news reports and opinions, encyclopaedic texts in the fields of linguistics, economics, politics, science etc. This part of the course is also aimed at expanding the students’ general and subject-specific vocabulary.
Speaking and reading– Speaking exercises focused on increasing fluency and pronunciation, reading and discussing different texts. The course supports other language courses (ELANG101, ELANG103), expanding the students’ practical English skills.

Module Outline/Syllabus

Grammar:
- Prepositions: Movement, position and place, problems of use, multiword prepositions; Prepositions following adjectives and verbs
- Time expressions - Language functions: asking and giving advice/an opinion/permission, promising and refusing to do something
- Countable and uncountable nouns; Articles
- False friends (false friends for Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian prepared by the instructor); Spelling rules and “spelling traps”
Vocabulary:
- Work and employment; Money; Shops, shopping, and related phrasal verbs; Behaviour, emotions – adjectives and nouns describing personal traits, family relations, relevant phrasal verbs;
- Current issues (problems) – social problems, derived nouns and relevant idiomatic expressions; Collocations and word-building exercises
Speaking and discussion (with a focus on proper pronunciation). Formulating arguments. Avoiding errors.
Translation. Giving students initial guided practice in translation, using relevant sources such as articles in The Economist, The Guardian, The New Yorker Magazine.

Student Engagement Hours

Type	Number per Term	Duration	Total Time
Lectures	0	0	0
Tutorials	30	2 hours	60 hours
Total Guided/Independent Learning Hours			90
Total Contact Hours			60
Total Engagement Hours			150

Assessment Method Summary

Type	Number Required	Duration / Length	Weighting	Timing / Submission Deadline
Exam	1	3 hrs	50%	End of semester
Midterm Test	1	2 hrs	20%	Mid-semester
Subject tests and assignments	2 tests, 2 take-home written assignments, 1 speaking test	Tests app. 1.5 hrs, speaking test app. 15 mins	30%	Organised throughout the semester

Module Outcomes

Teaching and Learning Strategy:

Practical classes (seminars) that include guided language practice, through various exercises. (ILO: 1-5)
Practical grammar exercises, translation exercises and speaking exercises. (ILO: 1-5)
Individual (take-home) assignments. (ILO: 1,2,4,5)
Consultations with students (including feedback on their work). (ILO: 1-5)
Practical classes (seminars) that include guided language practice, through various exercises. (PS: 1-5)
Practical grammar exercises, translation exercises and speaking exercises. (PS: 15)
Individual (take-home) assignments. (PS: 1-5)
Consultations with students (PS: 1-5)
Practical classes (seminars) that include guided language practice, through various exercises. (TS: 1-4)
Practical grammar exercises, translation exercises and speaking exercises. (TS: 14)
Individual (take-home) assignments. (TS: 1-4)
Consultations with students (TS: 1-4)

Assessment Strategy

Midterm - 20% (ILO: 1-5)
Other coursework (Assignments and tests)- 30%(ILO: 1-5)
Final Exam – 50%(ILO: 1-5)
Midterm - 20%(PS: 1-5)
Other coursework (Assignments and quizzes) - 30% (PS: 1-5)
Final Exam – 50%(PS: 1-4) Midterm - 20%(TS: 1-4)
Other coursework (Assignments and quizzes)- 30% (TS: 1-4)
Final Exam – 50%(TS: 1-4)

Key Texts and/or other learning materials

Set text

Haines, Simon & Stewart, Barbara (2012). First Certificate Masterclass Student's Book with Online Skills Practice Pack (2 CDs). Oxford: OUP.

Supplementary Materials

Instructor-guided discussion on topics covered in the other course segments, as well as on topics deemed particularly relevant by the course instructor. Emphasis on correct pronunciation in either the standard British or American English dialects.

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