General description

Intended for degree and exchange students who need orientation and practice in the basic skills necessary for participating in an academic programme of studies in English. The course is compulsory for ISSS students who have received a low grade in the Oxford Quick Placement Test. The course may also be done voluntarily or as a result of a recommendation on the part of a teacher.

Learning outcomes

Module A: Preparatory Course in Writing
After successful completion of the course the student will be
- able to write logical and formally satisfactory sentences
- able to write reasonably clear and detailed texts
- aware of the difference between formal and informal registers
- aware of the basics of referencing and the problem of plagiarism
- ready to start practising academic writing

Module B: Study Skills
After successful completion of the course the student will be
- aware of how to search for information eff ectively
- able to read required study books and articles more efficiently
- able to listen to lectures and isolate the essential points made
- able to take and organise notes based on lectures and reading
- able to initiate and maintain a discussion on a familiar subject
- ready to start practising seminar skills

Contents

The course will be made up of class sessions, out of class tasks and feed back sessions.

Further information on prerequisites and recommendations

ISSS students

Teaching language

English

Evaluation and evaluation criteria

Pass/fail.
Continuous assessment based on successful completion of oral and written tasks and active participation.

Recommended year of study

The course may NOT be taken in the same semester as the Introduction to Academic Writing and the Introduction to Seminar Skills courses.

Study materials

The necessary materials (for which a small fee will be charged) will be available from the course instructors.

Belongs to following study modules