This module is optional within the university’s Extended Studies Scheme and open to all master’s students during the first semester of their programmes. The module focuses on the connection between comprehension and critical evaluation of academic texts (primarily reading texts but also lectures and other forms of spoken text) and speaking and aims to develop students’ abilities to effectively complete academic speaking tasks that students are exposed to on degree programmes (e.g., presentations, seminar discussions, etc.). For master’s students, successful completion of these speaking tasks generally involves incorporating information from academic sources to support one’s arguments. Therefore, the module also helps students develop abilities to understand a range of academic texts, which may include lectures, academic journal articles, and book chapters, and make effective use of source information in different speaking events. The final assessment takes the form of a group discussion which incorporates all the skills taught in the module.
A Select appropriate academic texts, and comprehend, identify, and select information from those texts B Critically evaluate and synthesize information from academic sources to respond appropriately to specified academic speaking tasks C Develop advanced speaking skills including using appropriate language, register, and strategies to engage in academic discussions in interdisciplinary settings
Seminars are used for teaching the skills mentioned in the learning outcomes. There are 40 taught hours (2 x 2 hours per week) over 10 weeks (from Week 2 to Week 11). Students are given guidance on, and opportunities to, practice the targeted skills through various in-class activities. Class sizes are maintained at a small size appropriate for language teaching. Tutorials are used for assessment tasks (in W12/13) and consultations (W12/13 and the exam period). Students receive guided and formative feedback during class time, and receive feedback after completing the speaking task. For self-study, students are expected to engage in one to two hours of listening, reading or writing activities outside of class each week.