WRITTEN COMMUNICATION The Advanced English Programme (Year 1, Part 2) is an interactive, workshop-style course for BAS1 students who have English as one of their subjects. Ideally, you should already have at least a B2 level in English as a result of high school studies in the language. There is a good chance, however, that you feel less confident when having to write in English. This course builds on your existing knowledge and use of written English with the aim of developing your writing skills for current and future purposes. An English language teacher has to demonstrate not only excellent speaking and listening skills in English for their students, but also proficient written communication skills. To that end, this course focuses on the fundamentals of effective writing, encourages you to practise your writing across a range of contexts (general, professional, academic), analyses the different types of language used when writing a range of text types, together with the knowledge and strategies needed to become a better, more accurate and communicative writer. The learning outcomes for Spring Semester, 2024 are to: - appreciate the close relationship between speaking, listening, reading, and writing (the 4 skills) as a way to improve your English. - better understand the importance of audience, purpose, context, repetition, clarity and simplicity, and building all of these features into your writing. - engage in the full range of processes involved in writing, e.g. brainstorming, planning, drafting, revising and editing. - express ideas in writing more clearly and precisely in an appropriate style (formal, informal) to suit the context. - develop a better understanding of written English across text types in general, professional and academic contexts. - write using a range of sentence types from simple, single-clause sentences to longer, more complex sentences with multiple clauses (main & subordinate). - write clearer, more logical and grammatically-correct paragraphs with specific topic sentences, supporting ideas and concluding sentences. - connect ideas in writing using a greater range of linking words and phrases. - develop a richer, more flexible, and more precise vocabulary and grammar for writing. - identify and clear up trouble spots in grammar and vocabulary. - use punctuation correctly to promote greater clarity in writing. - express, support, and analyse arguments in an academic way, e.g. by referring to sources/others’ ideas. - reflect on one’s own writing and to give feedback on the writing of peers to promote self-reflection and raise awareness of effective written communication. - draw on a range of strategies and knowledge to promote effective writing and to be better writers by thinking more critically about a piece of writing. - share thoughts, feelings, and experiences in order to enhance the learning process. To successfully pass the course you will need to attend the course regularly throughout the semester and meet the requirements for the following four formal writing assignments: 1. Write a film review (300-350 words) 2. Write a formal email (200 words) 3. Write a modern version of a fable with a classmate (approx. 200 words) 4. Write an academic essay (first draft > peer review > final draft) (800 words) Evaluation is based on your performance in these four formal writing assignments as well as on your preparation for and active contribution to each class. You will receive a final grade for the course based on all of the above. The Advanced English Programme (Year 1, Part 2) is to be completed in combination with the course: Guided Autonomous Study (Year 1, Part 2). Please note that you will need to register for both of these courses separately. |