Aims

1. To develop a range of reading strategies that will enable students to read academic texts effectively
2. To develop an understanding of writing as process and product
3. To develop the knowledge and skills needed to use reading sources appropriately in academic writing
4. To enable students to produce written work of a sufficiently high standard to meet the requirements of their academic programme
5. To link the production of good writing to critical reading
6. To develop self awareness and reflection

Original Summary:
This module provides an introduction to academic writing in English for Business Undergraduates. You will develop the skills and strategies needed to read books and other sources effectively in preparation for writing. You will also gain an understanding of the importance of a critical approach to reading. You will learn how to plan, write and revise assignments, and use sources appropriately in your work. You will have the opportunity to improve your grammar and vocabulary for academic writing.

The class meets once a week for a two-hour session.

The module is assessed by a portfolio of self-study tasks (40% of formal assessment) and a final written examination consisting of two parts (60% of formal assessment).

Outline Of Syllabus

As well as a general introduction to academic writing, this module covers a range of essential areas, including:
- Academic Writing Style
- Essay Structure
- Writing Introductions
- Incorporating Sources
- Expressing Caution

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

A methodology combining teacher input and small group/pair work provides the best conditions for the development of reading and writing skills. Teacher input facilitates the transmission of knowledge and information, but the complex cognitive processes involved in reading and writing are best explored and developed through the learner’s active participation in problem-solving activities and other collaborative tasks. Private study is essential to extend and consolidate learning and this is encouraged with the Portfolio of Self-Study tasks.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module is assessed by a portfolio of self-study tasks (40% of formal assessment) and a final written examination consisting of two equally weighted parts (60% of formal assessment).

The portfolio of self-study tasks is a series of independent learning tasks that the student must complete throughout the module. Through completing the tasks students demonstrate that they have engaged with self-study, that time and effort has been invested in independent learning and that they are able to reflect on their learning experience. Students will receive formative feedback and guidance on their submissions for Task 1 although this will not form part of the final mark. The portfolio of work is assessed for 'Completion & Effort' (50%) and 'Independent Learning & Reflection' (50%). All eight portfolio tasks must be submitted by the deadline specified at the beginning of the module.

If a student fails this component of the module, they will have to resubmit the portfolio of work. Students are considered to have failed the module if they score 39 or less.

The final written test consists of two tasks involving reading and writing. One of the writing tasks set in the test requires students to research a topic in advance and participate in a seminar discussion in preparation to write an essay in test conditions. Students are required to incorporate references that are given in the test. The other task is a summarising task.

There will be a single re-sit for any student that fails either task of this exam. Students are considered to have failed the task if they score 39 or less. The re-sit will take the form of a 2-hour examination during the re-sit period.

Additional Module requirements:

(1) Candidates are required to attend 75% of the scheduled classes. If the student falls below 75% attendance, the decision on the final mark for the module will be deferred until successful completion of a bespoke assignment. In the assignment, students will have to demonstrate that they have processed and understood the sessions missed. This will take the form of self-study tasks and reflective writing. If the bespoke assignment is of a satisfactory standard, the student will pass the module, but with their mark capped at 40. If the bespoke assignment is not completed to a satisfactory standard, the student will receive an overall mark of zero for the module.

(2) A student who attends less than 50% of the classes will be judged to have failed the module. In this instance, a re-sit will be required during the normal re-sit period. In addition to the re-sit, the student will still be required to satisfy 'module requirement (1)' outlined above.

(3) Students are required to submit all the assessed elements of the module. A student who does not submit or complete one element of the assessment will be judged to have failed the module.