ESLA1901

Academic Language Skills for International Student

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1, Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Designed for international students who are native speakers of languages other than English. The course focuses on the further development of students' academic English skills in writing, speaking, listening and reading. Lectures, tutorials and some videos are presented on an appropriate range of topics and will help students to develop a high language proficiency that will be of benefit to them at all levels of their University studies. During both lectures and tutorials, students will be encouraged to participate actively in order to practise their increasing spoken-language skills. Problem based learning, discussions and individual talks presented in class will help students efficiently to absorb the material that is being taught.

Objectives The course aims at assisting international and exchange students in developing further their English language skills in an academic environment. The course is concerned with the development of a number of particular aspects of academic English. Completion of this course will improve the proficiency of students in the following skills, with the degree and direction of improvement depending upon the varied individual proficiencies from which the students begin:
1. Writing skills, including academic essay writing, answering questions in an examination, taking notes from lectures and reading materials, structuring a piece of academic writing, arranging information in an understandable sequence, the correct use of quotations and referencing, and general skills of expression involving correct use of grammar and syntax.
2. Listening skills, including listening to lectures and talks and understanding the content of selected programs shown on videotapes.
3. Reading skills, including researching documentation, reading strategies: scanning and skimming.
4. Speaking skills, including speaking in an academic setting, encouraging rhetorical consciousness, answering questions and discussing topics confidently.
Content The course is concerned with the development of a number of particular aspects of academic English. Its content is designed to improve the proficiency of students in the following skills: 1. Writing skills, including academic essay writing, answering questions in an examination, taking notes from lectures and reading materials, structuring a piece of academic writing, arranging information in an understandable sequence, the correct use of quotations and referencing, and general skills of expression involving correct use of grammar and syntax. 2. Listening skills, including listening to lectures and talks and understanding the content of selected programs shown on videotapes. 3. Reading skills, including researching documentation, reading strategies: scanning and skimming. 4. Speaking skills, including speaking in an academic setting, encouraging rhetorical consciousness, answering questions and discussing topics confidently.
Replacing Course(s) N/A
Transition None.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge No assumed knowledge.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments 2 written assignments 1000 words at 20% each
Examination: Formal Final Exam 30%
Other: (please specify) One individual oral seminar presentation 20%
Discussion leading group project 10%
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 2 hour(s) per Week for 13 weeks
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ESLA1901