This module is mandatory for postgraduate students admitted on the condition of attending the Presessional English course. After completing the Presessional, they must register for and pass both LAN 901 and LAN 902.
The main aims of this module are:
a) To improve students’ academic study skills necessary for successful postgraduate study;
b) To deepen students’ understanding of academic English genres and stylistic conventions;
c) To examine and practice a broad range of academic communication skills;
d) To develop critical thinking and reading skills.
A. Critically read and summarize academic texts by paraphrasing and quoting with appropriate citations and references;
B. Understand and use appropriate academic style in writing / speaking;
C. Organize both essays and reports according to discipline conventions;
D. Demonstrate appropriate critical thinking when expressing opinions in seminars or formal discussions.
E. To understand when plagiarism or collusion has occurred and how to avoid them;
The teaching sessions are 2 2-hour seminars each week for 12 weeks. Students must attend at least 80% of the seminar hours (over 40 hours) before they will be permitted to submit their summative assessment portfolio. Students who fail (based on attendance or performance on their portfolio), will have the option to resit. As an hours-based course, students will need to have attended at least 50% of classes (25 hours) to qualify for the resit. There will also be a 2 hour practical introduction session in the library. The types of written assignments required for the portfolio will depend on the genres used in the particular MA, MSc, MRes, MBA or MArch programmes. Throughout this module, the tutors will use a variety of communicative language teaching/learning strategies to reach all types of learners. In addition to the 4 hours of seminars, tutors will reserve 2 additional hours each week for individual tutorials during which students can bring in any assignments to be reviewed for language issues.