Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module LANG10115: Expert English

Department: English Language Centre

LANG10115: Expert English

Type Open Level 1 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2014/15
Tied to all PG degrees

Prerequisites

  • minimum IELTS 6.5; non-native speakers of English only

Corequisites

  • <If other modules, please enter module code using 'Right Click, Insert module_code' or enter module title>

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • <If other modules, please enter module code using 'Right Click, Insert module_code' or enter module title>

Aims

  • at the end of the module students will:
  • demonstrate upper intermediate, advanced or expert levels of reading and listening in line with CEFR levels B2, C1 and C2
  • demonstrate high levels of spoken and written accuracy at upper intermediate, advanced of expert levels equivalent to CEFR levels B2, C1 and C2 respectively
  • demonstrate high levels of spoken fluency at upper intermediate, advanced or expert level equivalent to CEFR levels B2, C1 and C2 respectively
  • demonstrate upper intermediate, advanced or expert level of understanding of intercultural communication

Content

  • engage in a sophisticated and complex, natural social conversation with strong levels of fluency and accuracy
  • engage in sophisticated and complex targeted spoken interactions relevant to the workplace including negotiation
  • engage in reading and critical understanding of advanced media and literary texts leading to comment and critical response
  • engage in listening to radio and other audio media with understanding and critical response
  • examination of intercultural communication with preparation and engagement
  • participation in informal and formal meeting situations using appropriate and high level language
  • development of linguistic accuracy and lexical range in core and frequent linguistic contexts, in particular lexis regarding political, economic and social issues
  • writing of effective and appropriate emails, internet posts, promotional texts, reports and other genres
  • engage in film and televisual experiences with understanding and critical response

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • knowledge of an extensive range of advanced and expert lexis for deployment in a range of contexts
  • knowledge of an extensive range of and high facility in the use of grammatical, cohesive and other devices necessary for effective advanced language communication
  • knowledge of concepts relating to rhetorical structure and other rhetorical aspects of effective communication, including knowledge of specific rhetorical structures and devices
  • knowledge of politeness and other strategies to enhance the effectiveness of communication
  • knowledge of issues and challenges in intercultural and interpersonal communication and develop strategies and language strategies as well as the language capacity to overcome these difficulties
  • knowledge of the role of language performance in a range of common situations, including those relating to the world of employment
  • knowledge of strategies to evaluate, develop and effectively enhance English language performance beyond the course programme
  • knowledge and understanding of communication conventions
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:
    • ability to deploy English language with a high degree of accuracy and appropriacy in a range of contexts
    • ability to engage in self-study to develop English language capacity beyond the classroom
    • ability to operate in a range of English language contexts with a high level of skill and fluency
    • ability to engage effectively and critically at an advanced level with advanced reading texts from a range of sources
    • ability to listen effectively and to have a high level of understanding of fluent English speech
    • ability to write a range of texts effectively and in a flexible manner eg emails, reports and letters of application
    • ability to engage in personal language study development external to programmes and courses

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • this module is delivered through seminar style classes with groups of approximately 15 students. Classes will be communicative, task oriented and interactive in nature, supporting the development of advanced oral and other skills. In addition to teacher-centred element, there will be substantial use of pair and group work. In preparation for each session students will be expected, in line with specific class requirements, to fulfil preparatory tasks, engage in practice in tasks given as homework, revise materials covered in previous sessions and complete relevant formative language exercises.
    • The assessment will focus on performance in the key tasks covered in the classroom and key skills and knowledge, incorporating measures of task achievement, but also with significant focus on criteria such as language accuracy, range, flexibility and appropriacy.
    • Integrated Skills Assessment A comprises a written assessment in response to reading set text(s). This therefore assesses students' reading and writing abilities.
    • Integrated Skills Assessment B comprises a presentation in response to reading set text(s).
    • Integrated Skills Assessment C comprises an assessment of speaking in a group context. This is preceded by a listening task, with listening ability evaluated through the group speaking activity.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Seminars 18 two per week in term 2 2 hours 36
    Tutorials 1 30 mins 0.5
    Preparation and Reading 113.5

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Skills Assessment A Component Weighting: 30%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Written Assessment (Reading into writing) 1.5 hours 100%
    Component: Skills Assessment B Component Weighting: 30%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Presentation 12 mins 100%
    Component: Skills Assessment C Component Weighting: 40%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Listening, group speaking 1 hour 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    Regular out of class/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what has been covered in class and to prepare the following session. There will be a formative group speaking activity and two formative written assignments for which learners will receive individual feedback. Regular classroom feedback will be given to the students in regard to their in-class and other out of class work performance.


    Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University