| Unit name | Essential Academic Writing |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LANG00001 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | QCA-3 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Mr. Lockett |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
IELTS writing component 5.0 (minimum) or equivalent |
| Co-requisites |
Essential Text Response |
| School/department | Centre for Academic Language and Development |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit forms part of the International Pre-Master's Programme (IPP), which explores the way in which subject knowledge is communicated in English across a range of disciplines at and beyond Master’s level. Students will leave the programme fully equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed at at this level at a top British university and the confidence to communicate ideas with academics, peers or the public.
As well as improving knowledge and use of academic English grammar, this unit aims to introduce and practise the process of planning, drafting, evaluating and editing academic paragraphs and essays, with a focus on common academic functions such as compare and contrast, cause and effect, purpose and process, and key features of academic style. Students will develop an e-portfolio including general academic essays and more reflective types of writing.
At the end of this unit students will be able to produce a well-organised multi-paragraph essay in mainly academic style with sufficient linguistic accuracy for ease of reading and communication of message. They will also be able to evaluate their own learning based on a portfolio of evidence.
Learning is facilitated in small group classroom sessions (12-16) using communicative language learning techniques as far as possible. There will be a lot of individual and small group work. Materials are also delivered online using the Blackboard VLE.
This mandatory 20-credit unit involves:
A formative electronic portfolio (50%) consisting of 5 pieces of academic writing of approx. 250 words each, with evidence of the writing process (outline, 1st & 2nd draft, editing checklist) and 12 short pieces of reflective writing;
A final timed writing exam (250 words)of 90 minutes(50%).
Bailey, S. (2011) Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students Targeted materials are available on Blackboard VLE (interactive tutorials, self-assessment tools and all course documents).
