Course Catalogue

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This course develops English language communication skills in order to support academically and professionally orientated postgraduate (taught) students in the Adam Smith Business School. There is an emphasis on developing reading-into-seminar discussion skills, language and strategies by integrating selected texts from students' programmes, reflection, collaboration and peer work. Additionally, the course develops professional language with a focus on structuring responses in interview contexts to support future employability. 

The course runs for 10 weeks in Semester 1. There are multiple seminar groups (12 to 14). Each seminar group has two 1-hour sessions per week.

Overall IELTS 6.5 or language proficiency at this level, with no sub-test less than 6.

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The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ On-going assessment of in-class speaking skills - Speaking skills and language demonstrated during weekly practice classes (individual mark) - 30%

■ In-class assessment of speaking skills - 2 x 8min (approx.) individual contributions to a larger group (3 to 4 students) speaking event (35% and 35%, individual mark) - 70%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ Learning diary as alternative to in-class speaking.

■ Individual contribution to group powerpoint with substantial presentation notes as alternative to individual contribution to larger group speaking event.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

This course aims to:

■ develop English language proficiency in order to participate more fully on business related Masters programmes and improve employability 

■ develop strategic reading skills and raise awareness and knowledge of academic text organisation & patterns 

■ provide structured opportunities to develop spoken English language proficiency and skills so students can interact effectively and respond in a structured manner to specific academic tasks/questions 

■ support collaborative group work in English 

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ use a variety of reading strategies to efficiently negotiate academic texts  

■ communicate effectively and appropriately across a defined range of spoken contexts 

■ respond in a structured manner to specific tasks/questions 

■ work autonomously and collaboratively in English in order to prepare effectively for, and therefore contribute to, course related tasks