CDIC1014W

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.

There is a focus throughout the semester on the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, 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 a problem-solution essay. They learn how to write under time pressure and without relying upon translation software or other aids.

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.