Academic English 1 (3cr)

Evaluation scale

0 - 5

Objective

Students will improve their oral and written communication skills and academic vocabulary. In written communication, the focus will be on academic writing and in oral communication, formal English language usage.

Execution methods

Contact teaching and independent work for students on campus.

Alternatively, as from autumn 2023, the course can be completed independently in ReppuMoodle.
The independent version includes exercises, written assignments and an exam. Please contact the course teacher for more information.

Accomplishment methods

This course includes approx. 40 h contact teaching (lectures, classroom assignments), 40 h independent work
The independent tasks may vary from year to year, but generally they include a 1-2 page summary of a field-specific academic article, a presentation, and an exam.
It is mandatory to attend at least 80% of the classes, to return all of the independent assignments and to pass the exam (at least 50% to pass it)

Content

Genres of academic English
Academic style and structures
Paraphrase and summary
Avoiding plagiarism: referencing
Academic presentations

Materials

Academic Writing A Handbook for International Students, Stephen Bailey, Routledge
Materials in Moodle

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student can recognize and name the features of academic writing. However, the student's language usage may be inconsistent with the norms of standard English and academic writing and basic errors in style, grammar, pronunciation, and intonation occur. The student can write an understandable and logical text with appropriate content using some academic concepts of his/her field. The student is able to communicate the main ideas of a topic in writing and orally.

To be awarded a grade 1, all assessed assignments must be completed and approved and any possible exam result must be at least 50%.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student can identify and apply the features of academic writing fairly consistently. The student is able to use grammar correctly although some errors might occur. The student can write a text according to the main features of academic writing with relative fluency, using a variety of vocabulary and sources that are mainly referenced correctly. The student has a good command of academic vocabulary. The student is able to communicate clearly in writing and orally without reading directly from a text.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student can use the features of formal and academic writing systematically and reflectively. His/her grammar usage is impeccable. The student can write a text according to the features of academic writing with fluency using varied and appropriate vocabulary, and correctly referenced academic sources. The student has an extensive academic vocabulary. The student is able to communicate fluently in both writing and speaking while demonstrating an awareness of formal academic style.

Qualifications

B2, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages