Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Written English
Teaching staff
By appointment.
Introduction
The aim of this programme is primarily to improve writing skills within the context of the degree programme. It is based on the principles that language and literacy is acquired when language is used as a means for understanding and constructing knowledge such as when we generate ideas and acquire the language through writing. Students will also be invited to connect what they already know and have experienced with what they are being asked to read and do.
The programme consists of 3 elements: class-based lessons, tutorials and self-study. The teacher-led lessons focus on developing students’ writing skills guiding them through the writing process. Tutorials will focus on student development and interpersonal skills and will include an evaluated group project. The final part being the self-study element which primarily focuses on writing and developing the use of reference and self-correction tools.
All three elements have been specifically designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and resources that will increase their confidence in order to communicate effectively in English.
* The rules of the faculty regarding plagiarism will be strictly observed.
Pre-course requirements
Recommended minimum global level is that of a B2.1 before the start of the course.
Objectives
Classroom:
- To develop critical thinking skills applied to reading materials and practice analytical and argumentative strategies that enable students to present and support their ideas. For students to become aware that in the process through their own writing, they are building on and contributing to an existing base of language resources and knowledge.
Tutorial:
- To develop students’ interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work with others in both native and an additional language.
Self Study:
- To develop drafting skills and strategies to support self-correction. In addition, students will consolidate grammar knowledge in order to apply it to their own writing.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 06 CG - The ability to read, analyze and synthesize
- 08 CG - The ability to reflect and memorize.
- 15 CE - Lingustic ability in Catalan, Spanish and English
- 41 CE - The ability and capacity to interact in the environment
Learning outcomes of the subject
Students are expected to:
- To read and understand the bibliography and literature from the field of Communication in English.
- To know and use the terminology and linguistic structures of the English language related to the field of Communication.
- To understand the main ideas in conferences and lectures given in English.
- To carry out oral and/or written presentations in English.
- To analyse and synthesise information both orally and written.
- To demonstrate the ability to work in a team.
- To demonstrate the capacity for autonomous language learning.
- To demonstrate the ability to plan and organise work.
- To demonstrate interpersonal skills.
Syllabus
Block 1 (2 to 4 weeks) - General introduction to writing techniques and skills (brainstorming and creating ideas, outlining, introduction, topic sentences, paragraph formation, body, conclusion).
Block 2 (10 to 12 weeks) - Different types of writing: compare and contrast, cause and effect, persuasive, news story, feature article, press release.
Block 3 (2 weeks) - Final production with a group project and final exam based on types of writing.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Coaching (CO) 16 hours – Meetings with students on an individual basis to comment on and work on individual problem areas with the English language in relation to writing. For example, organization, structures and use of English.
Seminars (SM) 8 hours – Working in pairs or small groups in the classroom with an emphasis on peer-review and self correction.
Tallers (TA) 8 hours – Teacher-guided work in small groups with an emphasis on skills and organization needed for successful group work, peer review, constructive criticism and self- reflection on own work and work of others.
Workshops (WO) 16 hours - Working on skills needed for successful writing and autonomous learning. Development of ideas through brainstorming, free writing, outlining and peer review.
Clases Magistrales (CM) 12 hours – Introduction of material to be used and exploited in the projects and journal writing. Emphasis on skills needed for writing in English related to both use of language and organization, covering topics such as paragraph development, topic sentences and different types of compositions.
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | ECTS CREDITS |
|---|---|
| Lectures. In lectures, lecturers/professors not only transmit content or knowledge, but also, and above all else, attitudes, motivation, skills and values, etc. They also ensure that participants can express their opinions and arguments to the other students. | 3.8 |
| Seminar. This activity will consist of taking an in-depth look at specific up-to-date topics in a monographic manner-in some cases these topics will have been debated socially-, via active work in small groups. | 1.2 |
| Practical workshop. A highly practical working activity, where students can acquire skills that are practical or also theoretical (intellectual skills, logical skills, critical skills, intellectual learning skills, study skills, quoting skills, etc). | 1 |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Evaluation of the subject
Individual texts - 60%
Competencies - 6,8,15,41
Five individual written texts (worth 12.5% each) based on material and concepts covered in class. All assessed texts must be written in class.
Group project - 25%
Competencies - 6,8,15,41
One extended group project as a culmination and extension of the individual projects.
Final exam - 15%
Competencies - 6,15,41
A 500 word essay, one of the types practised in class, randomly chosen on the day of the exam, that students must write in the two hours provided.
- 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 taking an extended final exam.
In all situations and in both sittings students must show a B2 level in English to pass the subject.
Bibliography and resources
Class-based materials:
To be provided by the teacher, based on essential writing skills needed.