Module Information
Module Identifier
IC00410
Module Title
Reading, Writing and Critical Thinking for University (Study Routes A & B)
Academic Year
2014/2015
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
Completion of Block 1 modules or
IELTS 5.0 or IELTS 6.0 depending on the Pathway being followed
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | 15 wks x3 hours pw = 45 hours of seminar type sessions/classes |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Writing exam Writing exam – 120 minutes | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Extended essay Extended essay | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Reading exam Reading exam – 90 minutes | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Writing exam Writing exam – 120 minutes | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Reading exam Reading exam – 90 minutes | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Write a clear, detailed academic text on a variety of subjects related to their field of interest, synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources (CEFR B2)
Write an essay or report which develops an argument, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of various writers (CEFR B2)
Synthesize information and arguments from a number of sources (CEFR B2)
Read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes and using appropriate reference sources selectively (CEFR B2)
Obtain information, ideas and opinions from articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular stances or viewpoints (CEFR B2)
Content
Due to the nature of each IFC cohort of students, the IFC course will need to be flexible and responsive to students’ needs. It is a student centred course.
The outline below is indicative of the skills that this module will cover.
Key reading strategies to be developed:
• A range of reading skills both extensive and intensive to enable students to develop specific receptive skills such as reading for gist, reading for specific information, reading for detailed comprehension and reading for inference.
• Active reading skills
• Using the library and online resources appropriately
Key writing strategies to be developed:
• Writing for different purposes & audiences – general & academic (block 2 & 3)
• Understanding of the grammatical & lexical features of a text to promote precision and accuracy
• The process of writing – students will be encouraged to consider the procedure of putting together a good piece of work including: pre-writing phase, planning, editing, re-drafting, and finally producing the finished version of their work
• Note-taking, paraphrasing and referencing techniques
Week 1,2,3,4 Course Introduction
Developing and improving reading skills for example – identifying the main idea, skimming, scanning, understanding vocabulary from context, identifying steps in a sequence, reading and note-taking, identifying lines of argument, how academic arguments are presented etc
Introduction to academic texts: overall structure, citations, bibliographies, identifying paragraph topics, supporting points, summarising paragraphs, analysing essay questions, good academic practice paraphrasing, summarising using direct quotes etc
Week 5,6,7,8
Developing and improving reading skills for example – distinguishing fact from opinion, using questions to be an active reader, using context to provide meaning, developing critical reading skills, distinguishing between reliable and unreliable texts, using the library & electronic resources, introduction to research etc
Developing academic writing for example – essay planning, academic texts, organizing and linking ideas, incorporating sources, synthesising info from several sources; developing own academic voice, writing introductions, body and conclusions, presenting your argument etc
Week 9, 10,11,12
Developing and improving reading skills for example – more of the above with extended texts.
Preparation for writing extended essay.
Submission of first draft in week 10 final submission in week 12
Revision and exam preparation
Week 13 Module assessment
Week 14 Further teaching
Week 15 Module feedback + tutorial support
The outline below is indicative of the skills that this module will cover.
Key reading strategies to be developed:
• A range of reading skills both extensive and intensive to enable students to develop specific receptive skills such as reading for gist, reading for specific information, reading for detailed comprehension and reading for inference.
• Active reading skills
• Using the library and online resources appropriately
Key writing strategies to be developed:
• Writing for different purposes & audiences – general & academic (block 2 & 3)
• Understanding of the grammatical & lexical features of a text to promote precision and accuracy
• The process of writing – students will be encouraged to consider the procedure of putting together a good piece of work including: pre-writing phase, planning, editing, re-drafting, and finally producing the finished version of their work
• Note-taking, paraphrasing and referencing techniques
Week 1,2,3,4 Course Introduction
Developing and improving reading skills for example – identifying the main idea, skimming, scanning, understanding vocabulary from context, identifying steps in a sequence, reading and note-taking, identifying lines of argument, how academic arguments are presented etc
Introduction to academic texts: overall structure, citations, bibliographies, identifying paragraph topics, supporting points, summarising paragraphs, analysing essay questions, good academic practice paraphrasing, summarising using direct quotes etc
Week 5,6,7,8
Developing and improving reading skills for example – distinguishing fact from opinion, using questions to be an active reader, using context to provide meaning, developing critical reading skills, distinguishing between reliable and unreliable texts, using the library & electronic resources, introduction to research etc
Developing academic writing for example – essay planning, academic texts, organizing and linking ideas, incorporating sources, synthesising info from several sources; developing own academic voice, writing introductions, body and conclusions, presenting your argument etc
Week 9, 10,11,12
Developing and improving reading skills for example – more of the above with extended texts.
Preparation for writing extended essay.
Submission of first draft in week 10 final submission in week 12
Revision and exam preparation
Week 13 Module assessment
Week 14 Further teaching
Week 15 Module feedback + tutorial support
Aims
1. To develop, extend and consolidate students’ general & academic reading skills for university
2. To develop, extend and consolidate students’ general & academic writing skills for university
3. To give practice in the independent learner study skills required to function effectively in a higher education learning environment
2. To develop, extend and consolidate students’ general & academic writing skills for university
3. To give practice in the independent learner study skills required to function effectively in a higher education learning environment
Brief description
Reading and Writing and Critical Thinking for University, is one of 3 core English language skill development modules that make up the 20 hours of study per week of the IFC Block 2 course. The fourth core Block 2 module is delivered by the subject specific academic department.
This module will develop, extend and consolidate the general & academic reading, writing and study skills needed for successful study at AU.
This module will develop, extend and consolidate the general & academic reading, writing and study skills needed for successful study at AU.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | |
| Communication | This module develops communication and literacy skills through engagement with reading & writing texts and vocabulary extension activities |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | This module incorporates targeted individual learning tutorials to encourage students to assess and analyze their own learning and performance. |
| Information Technology | This module will expect students to submit some of their work in a word processed format. Students will also be encouraged to search the web for sources of information. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | |
| Problem solving | Developing reading and writing sub skills involves problem solving to find and record the key information required to comprehend texts |
| Research skills | This module will involve students actively and independently researching topics for reading and writing practice |
| Subject Specific Skills | Academic English study skills |
| Team work | This module involves students working in pairs and teams to develop their reading and writing skills |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 3