Academic English (3cr)

Objectives (course unit)

After completing the course, the students will be able to:
• identify and apply the elements of academic reading, writing and speaking
• critically evaluate sources, and use them in their own writing / speaking
• communicate clearly and logically about their own field
• continue developing their English language and intercultural communication skills independently

Content (course unit)

Academic style and language
Structuring an essay / report / research paper: paraphrasing and referencing, cohesive devices
Authentic scientific texts
Presentations, discussions

Prerequisites (course unit)

none

Location and time

Online meetings (See Moodle for details)

Exam schedules

An academic essay and a reflective essay replace the exam.

Assessment methods and criteria

This course emphasizes on academic writing and the evaluation is based on 0-5 grading scale where 0 is fail and 5 is excellent. Active participation at online collaborative platforms are required. To get a minimum pass, student need to submit an academic essay and write a reflective essay on the group discussion.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Collaborative learning coupled with online exercises, Reading and analyzing academic text, producing academic text.

Learning materials

Some materials and exercises will be provided during the course. Authentic online materials will be used as well.

Student workload

6 x online meetings, independent work

Content scheduling

Two assignments: an academic essay and and reflective essay based on the group discussion

Completion alternatives

To be discussed later.

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

FAIL: One or more of the compulsory assignments fails to meet specified criteria.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Satisfactory (1-2): The student communicates in comprehensible English on the whole and shows some awareness of the norms for different types of text; references to source materials are included where appropriate. Requirements regarding participation, meeting deadlines etc. are minimally fulfilled.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Good (3-4): Students’ English is mainly clear and appropriate. Written work meets norms for different types of text, including scientific reporting. Oral communication is professional. Requirements regarding participation, meeting deadlines etc. are mainly fulfilled.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Excellent (5) Students’ written English is formal and accurate and displays appropriate variation in style; reports meet norms for different types of text; students show ability to access and select appropriate information; references to source materials are incorporated accurately and in a variety of ways; source materials are expertly paraphrased. Oral expression is fluent and professional. Requirements regarding participation, meeting deadlines etc. are consistently fulfilled.