Unit information: Academic Reading and Writing in 2016/17

Unit name	Academic Reading and Writing
Unit code	LANG10008
Credit points	10
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Miss. Lisa Hanson
Open unit status	Open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Centre for Academic Language and Development
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is an optional, open 10-credit unit offered as part of the Learning, English and Academic Development provision for current students. It is designed for non-native speakers of English who have met the University’s minimum English language entry requirements and wish to further develop their competence in reading and writing in English for academic purposes. Students will be guided in the critical analysis of academic texts in order to develop the language skills required for effective, independent critical text response. Academic performance is developed and measured by both integrated class and assessed activities involving written responses to set texts which will necessarily demonstrate students’ ability to respond to texts interrogatively and evaluatively through summarising and synthesising written sources whilst taking an informed stance.

There is a focus on the requirements and expectations in the UK higher education study culture for critical thinking and how to incorporate the views of others into one’s own academic writing appropriately, as well as the demonstration and re-construction of knowledge through academic outline and summary writing.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners should have improved their performance within the UK higher education study culture through demonstrating the ability to:

1. Read academic texts critically and evaluatively
2. Produce efficient and effective notes from reading
3. Demonstrate understanding of set texts through accurate written outlines
4. Summarise and synthesise source texts from a stance
5. Write descriptive and evaluative texts in their own voice
6. Incorporate sources in an appropriate academic register, using correct citation and following appropriate academic conventions

Teaching Information

Classroom-based lessons in small groups (12-16) involving a combination of teacher-led input, combined with practical task-based work. On-line delivery of materials through Blackboard VLE.

Assessment Information

1. Written outline and factual summary of set text 30% (2,3,5)
2. Outline and critical response to text 30% (1 – 5)
3. Final exam 40%: Reading comprehension (1), Critical response to text showing synthesis of sources (1,4,5,6)

Reading and References

Materials provided by Centre