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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2018 - 2019

Module Title English for Academic Purposes
Module Code LC600
School SALIS

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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
Lecture2412 lectures take place during Semester 2. Students will be required to participate in short oral discussions on a range of topics during lectures.
Independent Study50Students prepare a short piece of written work and a short oral presentation for evaluation and feedback
Directed learning47Students work on particular language points and stylistic features identified by lecturer
Tutorial4Students prepare for and participate in one to one tutorial 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 and question and answer sessions
Small group discussions on a range of topics; discourse features of academic English in an oral context;

Analysing skills involved and language used in oral presentations
Language and style of oral presentations; reflection on effectiveness of own and other students' oral presentations

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Oshima, A & Hogue, A: 2006, Writing Academic English, 4th, Longman,
  • Brick, J.: 2006, A Student's Guide to Studying at university, Macquarie University Press,
  • Swales, J.M. & Feak, C. B.: 1994, Academic Writing for Graduate students: Essential Tasks and Skills,
  • Smalzer, W: 1996, Write To Be Read, CUP,
  • McCormack, J. & Slaght, J.: 2008, EAS: Extended Writing and Research Skills, Garnet ELT Publishing,
  • Turley, R.M: 0, Writing Essays, Routledge,
  • Gardner, Peter S.: 2008, New Directions: Reading, Writing and Critical thinking, 9th, CUP,
  • Smoke, T.: 2008, A Writer's Workbook, 4th, CUP,
Other Resources

None
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