Academic English (3cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The student
- is able to identify and apply the elements of academic reading, writing and speaking;
- is able to critically evaluate sources, and use them in his/her own writing/speaking;
- is able to communicate clearly and logically about his/her own field;
- is able to continue developing his/her 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

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
- communicates in comprehensible English showing some awareness of academic style and register in their written assignments
- can search for information in scientific publications, but has sometimes problems in interpreting and utilizing it
- understands the significance of knowing scientific English, and works fairly purposefully to gain linguistic competence in one’s special field
- is aware of some ways to further develop one’s academic language skills and field-specific skills by utilizing different tools and strategies to some extent

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
- communicates fairly fluently showing relatively solid awareness of academic style and register in their written assignments
- understands and employs field-specific terminology fairly accurately
- can utilize various resources and dictionaries
- expresses oneself and conveys the message to the reader fairly idiomatically without misunderstandings (H4)
- conveys the information to the reader understandably without misunderstandings, but sometimes non-idiomatically and with features from the mother tongue (H3)
- can search for information in scientific publications to promote one’s professional growth
- can critically assess the references
- can apply and utilize most of the information obtained
- understands the significance of knowing scientific English, and works purposefully to gain linguistic competence in one’s special field
- is aware of various ways to further develop one’s academic language skills and field-specific skills by utilizing different tools and strategies in a goal-oriented manner

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
- communicates fluently, effortlessly and almost flawlessly showing solid awareness of academic style and register in their written assignments
- employs and utilizes specific terminology and accurate field-specific concepts in their written assignments
- can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources: interprets and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
- can critically assess the references
- can apply and utilize the information obtained
- understands and employs field-specific terminology accurately
- can utilize a vast variety of resources and dictionaries
- expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader idiomatically without misunderstandings
- is well aware of various ways to further develop one’s academic language skills and field-specific skills by utilizing different tools and strategies in a goal-oriented and self-directed manner

Location and time

Research and writing

Assessment methods and criteria

- The can edit and use TAMK's report guide correctly, master the referencing style required by TAMK, complete the required assignments and submit at least one academic essay.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, hands-on class activities, homework, groupwork, and research.

Learning materials

Materials will be provided on TUNI Moodle plus student created materials.

Completion alternatives

Accreditation of previous studies.

Further information

Presentation of the final essay is required.

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

The student has not attended 80% of the teaching sessions, has not completed required assignments, has not used the report template correctly and has not written the references correctly as required by TAMK.

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

The student (1-2)
- communicates in comprehensible English showing some awareness of academic style and register in their written assignments
- can search for information in scientific publications, but has sometimes problems in interpreting and utilizing it
- understands the significance of knowing scientific English, and works fairly purposefully to gain linguistic competence in one’s special field
- is aware of some ways to further develop one’s academic language skills and field-specific skills by utilizing different tools and strategies to some extent

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

The student (3-4)
- communicates in comprehensible English showing some awareness of academic style and register in their written assignments
- can search for information in scientific publications, but has sometimes problems in interpreting and utilizing it
- understands the significance of knowing scientific English, and works fairly purposefully to gain linguistic competence in one’s special field
- is aware of some ways to further develop one’s academic language skills and field-specific skills by utilizing different tools and strategies to some extent.

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

The student (5)
- communicates fluently, effortlessly and almost flawlessly showing solid awareness of academic style and register in their written assignments
- employs and utilizes specific terminology and accurate field-specific concepts in their written assignments
- can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources: interprets and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
- can critically assess the references
- can apply and utilize the information obtained
- understands and employs field-specific terminology accurately
- can utilize a vast variety of resources and dictionaries
- expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader idiomatically without misunderstandings
- is well aware of various ways to further develop one’s academic language skills and field-specific skills by utilizing different tools and strategies in a goal-oriented and self-directed manner