CDIC1014W English 2

Academic Year 2022/2023

CDIC1014 English 2 (English for General Academic Purposes) is designed for Stage 1 Students who are undertaking dual undergraduate degree programmes at Chang’an-Dublin International College. The module specifically aims to develop students' academic English and study skills, with a view to preparing them for independent study in English on their degree programmes.

Students develop their English vocabulary and grammar for general academic purposes. They learn useful collocations and idioms, how to use vocabulary precisely, and strategies for dealing with unfamiliar vocabulary. They become familiar with the grammar patterns they are most likely to encounter in academic and semi-academic texts, and work on overcoming common grammar errors.

Classes integrate the key skills of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Students learn how to listen for key information in day-to-day conversations and to take notes from lectures on topics of general interest. They gain experience of listening to a range of accents and develop strategies for coping with fast or unclear speech. When reading, they learn how to skim for the main idea of a text, to scan for specific information, and to read closely in order to understand more complex ideas.
Meanwhile, they develop their writing skills at the level of sentence, paragraph and whole text. There is an emphasis on how to structure their writing through the effective use of thesis statements and topic sentences supported by explanations and examples. They learn how to write factual, descriptive texts in response to visual data, and how to write argument, opinion, cause-and-effect, and problem-solution essays.

In terms of speaking, students will work on fluency, pronunciation, and organizing what they say. They will gain experience of presenting their views on issues of general academic interest, and of interacting in seminar-style discussions of more abstract topics. All classes work towards a further aim of helping students to develop their critical thinking skills.

Classes are taught in small groups of up to 20 students. In addition to developing language skills, classroom activities will support the development of students’ academic study competences and independent language learning strategies. Students will often be expected to work collaboratively in class.

Materials and assessments for the module are designed with reference to B2 descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and The British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP)’s ‘can-do’ framework for EAP syllabus design and assessment.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

- accurately use a wide enough range of vocabulary to write and speak about topics of general academic interest.
- accurately use simple and complex sentence structures in writing and speaking.
- research, plan and write an essay on a topic of general academic interest.
- write well-structured essays with thesis statements and clear paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details.
- listen for main ideas and key points in short conversations and lectures, even when the pace is fast
- employ reading strategies (skimming, scanning etc.) to understand the main ideas and key points of texts
- speak clearly and fluently about a range of general academic topics.
- use effective strategies to enhance their academic language knowledge and skills independently.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20

Small Group

120

Specified Learning Activities

40

Autonomous Student Learning

40

Total

220

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Teaching and Learning is student-oriented, emphasising active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; critical writing; reflective learning; class discussions; and student presentations. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

This module is delivered overseas and is not available to students based at the UCD Belfield or UCD Blackrock campuses.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Reading examination (end-assessment with open questions, short answer questions, and multiple-choice questions), plus mid-term assignment and tasks throughout the semester. Unspecified No Graded No

25

Presentation: Mini presentations throughout semester and final oral presentation based on research investigation undertaken through the semester. Unspecified n/a Graded No

25

Examination: Listening Examination (open questions, short-answer questions, multiple choice questions) plus in-class tasks throughout the semester. 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

25

Essay: Extended essay/report researched, drafted, and written over the course of the semester, plus in-class tasks throughout the semester. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

25


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Stephen Kelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer