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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title English for Academic Purposes
Module Code LC600
School SALIS
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Fiona Gallagher
Semester 2: Fiona Gallagher
Autumn: Fiona Gallagher
Module TeachersFiona Gallagher
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Description

This module is open to all International students studying for a PhD or Masters by research degree. The module aims to help students develop the language skills necessary to meet the demands of a PhD project in an English speaking academic environment, to raise students’ awareness of the conventions of academic writing in an English speaking context, and to further develop students’ awareness of style, appropriacy and register in relation to their use of English in an academic environment. The module is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis only.

Learning Outcomes

1. structure and organise their writing and oral presentations effectively
2. employ a suitably academic style and register in their oral and written communications
3. use a broad range of linguistic and vocabulary items in order to facilitate the comprehension and production of academic text in English
4. to describe issues relating to citing and referencing, plagiarism and voice in academic texts in an English speaking context
5. participate fully in oral discussions, seminars etc
6. manage, interpret and create meaning using multi-modal texts



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Lectures and workshops will take place during Semester 2. Students will participate and engage with tasks and other materials set by the lecturer in relation to these sessions. These will take place on a synchronous basis
Independent Study50Students prepare a short piece of written work and material for a short oral presentation and discussion for assessment and feedback
Directed learning47Students work on particular language points and stylistic features of English identified by lecturer
Tutorial4Students prepare for and participate in group and one to one tutorials with lecturer
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Reading and analysing academic text
Features of academic style in an English speaking environment; strategies and techniques for reading and comprehension of such text

Extension of receptive and productive linguistic range in academic English
A broad range of language points will be addressed including: transitional and linking phrases; language of classifications and definitions; language of cause and effect; language of comparison and contrast; parallelism; participle clauses; use of articles and prepositions in academic English; academic vocabulary; making weak and strong claims; punctuation

Planning and outlining academic text
Techniques for gathering and organising ideas; outlining paragraphs, sections and whole dissertations according to the conventions of academic writing in an English-speaking culture of learning

Writing and rewriting academic text
Plagiarism and voice in academic texts; reflection on strengths and weaknesses of own writing; error correction techniques; proof-reading techniques

Participation in oral discussions, presentations and question and answer sessions
Small group discussions on a range of topics; discourse features of academic English in an oral context; reflection on oral presentation skills and techniques

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ParticipationAssessment is on a Pass/Fail basis. Students must attend a minimum of 80% of lectures and complete all assessment components.Students complete a number of 'homework' tasks and exercises relating to particular language points and stylistic features of academic English.20%As required
AssignmentStudents prepare a piece of writing related to their PhD studies for evaluation and feedback on their use of English. Students reflect on their writing style and language use.40%Sem 2 End
Oral ExaminationStudents prepare material for a short oral presentation and discussion related to their PhD studies. Students reflect on their oral skills and presentation techniques.40%As required
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Oshima, A & Hogue, A: 2006, Writing Academic English, 4th, Longman,
  • Swales, J.M. & Feak, C. B.: 2012, Academic Writing for Graduate students: Essential Tasks and Skills, 3, The University of Michigan Press,
  • Campbell, C.: 2012, English for Academic Study: Vocabulary Study Book, 2, Garnett Eduation,
  • Huntley, H.: 2006, Essential Academic Vocabulary: Mastering the Complete Academic Word List, Thomson Heinle Boston / Cengage Learning, Inc,
Other Resources

None
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Date of Last Revision03-JUN-11
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