Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
English Language 1
Teaching staff
By appointment
Introduction
The main aim of this course is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to practise and perform the linguistic tasks related to culture in English. Emphasis is given to the communicative skills of speaking and writing, while texts, videos, and listening activities are used to deepen their knowledge and understanding of language structures and use of new vocabulary related to the context of humanities.
The course includes class-based lessons divided into three modules related to humanities and culture. The teacher-led lessons focus on speaking and writing about personal experiences and opinions whilst the reading, grammar and listening activities are based on various aspects of culture and society. The students will be assessed on three group projects as well as on two individual writing assignments. The course focuses on developing reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, consolidating grammar and vocabulary, thus increasing the autonomy of the learner with respect to learning a foreign language.
All parts have been specifically designed to provide the students with the necessary skills, knowledge and resources that will increase their confidence in order to communicate effectively in English.
In the event that the teaching staff detects plagiarized work or a student copying during an exam, the Humanities Faculty will be notified and the relevant measures will be taken, including being given an automatic grade of 0 for that subject and going directly to the second sitting.
Pre-course requirements
Preferred minimum global level is that of B1.2 before the start of the course
Objectives
Classroom:
To prepare and equip students with the necessary lexical and grammatical knowledge and understanding for them to become effective communicators in English in everyday personal and academic contexts.
To reinforce the receptive skills of reading and listening through practice, using a variety of stimuli and to facilitate the improvement of the productive skills of speaking and writing.
Group projects:
To develop students’ interpersonal skills and ability to work with others in a foreign language.
Self-study:
To develop writing and listening skills, become familiar with vocabulary related to Humanities and culture, as well as consolidate grammar usage.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN01 - Students will be able to analyse and interpret imaginary and iconic, symbolic and representational language in the context of humanistic disciplines.
- CP05 - Students will be able to analyse socio-cultural, historical and artistic structures, from a respect for the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, using language that avoids androcentricity and stereotypes.
- HB02 - Students will be able to convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
- HB03 - Students will be able to develop a coherent understanding and expression of ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing.
- HB06 - Students will be able to plan tasks and projects in an organised and structured manner.
- HB12 - Students will be able to adequately and effectively apply methods and techniques specific to different humanities disciplines when problem solving and when elaborating critical and well-founded arguments.
- HB18 - Students will be able to present the results of their research in a narrative way, following the critical standards of each discipline.
- HB19 - Students will be able to analyse original texts or documents in their mother tongue and in other languages, with appropriate summaries and categorisation techniques.
- HB20 - Students will be able to use sources of information in an international context.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Students are expected to achieve or surpass one of the above competencies at a level B1.2.
Linguistic competencies in English (competency 2)
1.Students will acquire the following skills
Oral communication
a. Carry out with reasonable fluency a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points (B1*)
Spoken interaction
b. Communicate regarding familiar topics, express personal opinions and exchange information on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life. (B1.1)
Written production
c. Write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within their field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence (B1*)
Reading comprehension
d. Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension (B1*)
Listening as a member of a live audience
e. Can follow in outline straightforward short talks on familiar topics provided these are delivered in clearly articulated standard speech (B1.1*)
*Students already demonstrating linguistic skills at a B1 level will be expected to work towards demonstrating these skills at a level B1+ or above.
Non-linguistic competencies in English
2. (30) Demonstrate the ability to learn autonomously.
3. (16) Be able to develop abilities for interpersonal relations.
Syllabus
Topics:
Students will work on topics related to areas of cultural interest such as art, design and architecture.
Language knowledge:
Students will revise the use of present, past and future tenses including perfect and continuous aspects; hypothetical expressions; modal auxiliary verbs; indirect speech, and passive structures. The use of articles and question formation will also be revised.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
In order to develop the communicative skills of the students (speaking, writing, reading and listening), a variety of classroom materials and range of activities will be used. At the same time, students will be expected to actively participate and use their newly acquired knowledge in pairs and small groups.
Emphasis will also be given to preparation for self-study using distance learning tools and internet materials, and this will form an essential part of the course, motivating students for the life-long learning of English.
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | HOURS | COMPETENCES |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | G02 G16 G30 | |
| 30 | G02 G16 G30 |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
|
Activity |
% final grade |
Learning outcome |
|
Attendance and class participation
|
10% |
6. To demonstrate the ability to work in a team |
|
Mid-term test
|
10%
|
1. To read and understand the bibliography and literature from the field of Humanities at a B1.2 level or above |
|
Writing assignments |
20% |
2. To know and use the terminology and linguistic structures of the English language related to the field of Humanities at a B1.2 level or above |
|
Group projects |
30% |
2. To know and use the terminology and linguistic structures of the English language related to the field of Humanities at a B1.2 level or above 3. To understand the main ideas in conferences and lectures given in English at a B1.2 level or above. 4. To carry out oral and/or written presentations in English at a B1.2 level or above
|
|
Final exam |
30% |
1. To read and understand the bibliography and literature from the field of Humanities at a B1.2 level or above |
|
Total |
100% |
|
Students are reminded that attendance and participation in class and continuous evaluation are fundamental to passing the course.
- Students who have not attended 80% of the subject in the first sitting do not have the right to take the final exam in that same sitting.
- Students with a final mark between 4 and 5 in the first sitting only have the right in the second sitting to make up the material that was failed or not handed in.
- Students with a mark that is less than a 4 in the first sitting will have to make up 100% of the subject in the second sitting by producing and defending a dossier before a tribunal and taking a final exam.
In all situations and in both sittings students must show a B1.2 level in English to pass the subject
Bibliography and resources
Class-based materials provided by teacher.
Supplementary materials proved by teacher
Internet-based materials for self-study:
Student English File Resource