English Language Skills

Overview

This module has been developed in collaboration with the Education Department at Aberystwyth University. The aim of this module is to provide a strong foundation in KS4 English Language This provides an opportunity for current undergraduate and postgraduate students to develop the level of English language skills required for entry onto the PGCE course. Obtaining a mark of 40 or above in this module offers students an opportunity to develop the skills at the level required for entry to the PGCE course at Aberystwyth University. 

The module provides an opportunity for students to develop their skills in oracy, reading and writing. The module will introduce the study of English, and the relationship between the modes of speech and writing.  Students will analyse spoken and written English and will produce both spoken and written responses. The module also offers students an opportunity to develop and demonstrate the English language skills at the level required for entry to the PGCE course at Aberystwyth University. 

Programme

• Unit 1 - What do we study when we study English? 
• The extent of the subject; speakers and users; personal language history; prescriptivism and descriptivism; the role of literature. 
• Unit 2 - The language continuum 
• Language modes; the relationship between speech and writing; the dimensions of language. 
• Unit 3 - Spoken language skills. 
• Listening and analysis; speaking to make an impact. How to structure a short presentation. 
• Unit 4 - Types of text 1 (reading) 
• Non-fiction texts: purpose, audience, context, features (information – written and digital) 
• Unit 5 - Types of text 2(reading) 
• Non-fiction texts: purpose, audience, context, features (persuasion – written and digital) 
• Unit 6 - Types of text 3 (reading) 
• Literary texts 
• Unit 7 - Written language skills 1 summary. 
• Unit 8 - Written language skills 2, comparison and synthesis. 
• Unit 9 - Creating texts 
• Writing to a brief; editing and proofreading. U
• Unit 10 - Review  
• Preparation of presentation and coursework 

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.   

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Demonstrate oracy (speaking and listening), reading and writing skills that are instrumental in communicating with others confidently, effectively, precisely and appropriately.  
2. Retrieve information from a range of texts, summarising and synthesizing content, inferring intended meaning and evaluating its purpose. 
3. Explain the impact of variations in language, selecting and adapting speech and writing to different situations, purposes and audiences.  

Assessments

1. Written coursework on a topic of current interest – 600 words (25% of the overall mark)
2. Presentation of 10 minutes based on the 600 word written piece (25% of the overall mark)
3. Portfolio of short written pieces (can be creative) in response to a series of short set texts (reading) – 1000 words (50% of the overall mark)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.