UCL - Interfaculty English interactive communication

[ANGL1300]

[30h] 3 credits

This course is taught in the 1st & 2d semester.

Teacher(s): Lutgarde Schrijvers

Language: English

Level: First

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

The course aims at developing the oral communication skills of the students in order to enable them to talk about themselves and the world around them as well as about general subjects.

Main themes

Reading comprehension: B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:
Although not the main objective of the course, short pieces of written work can be referred to and may serve as a starting point for discussions.

Listening comprehension: Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:
Although not the main objective of the course, short extracts of English language films or television programs may be shown in class either to familiarize students with different accents or as a starting point for discussions.

Speaking (main objective): Level B1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Individually :
- Students should be able to express their views clearly on familiar topics as well on more general current events.
Interactively :
- Students should be able to state their opinions clearly and to back them up with explanations and arguments in the context of a debate, pair or group discussion.

Presentation skills:
Each student gives a presentation on a general subject followed by an interactive activity managed by the student.

Grammar and vocabulary:
Students are expected not to make any basic grammatical mistakes and to master general vocabulary at an intermediate level.
Grammar and vocabulary are studied through self-study and are tested and corrected in class.

Content and teaching methods

During contact hours, students communicate orally in pairs (mainly) or small groups on a wide range of topics. They are asked to speak in pairs or very small groups in order to have them speak as much as possible. Only occasionally does the student speak in a larger group (debate) or alone (presentation).
The class hours are devoted to speaking (65 % of the time), presentations (15% of the time), correction by the teacher (10%) and tests (10%).
Feedback on language mistakes is always given by the teacher to the whole group.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisites:
This course being of an intermediate level, the productive command of basic grammar and vocabulary as well as the receptive command of the language skills of the B1 level as described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is required.

Assessment:
- Continuous assessment throughout the year takes into account preparation of activities and class participation as well as the results obtained for the presentation and for the tests (Répétiteur and vocabulary). More precisely, the tests concern:
. vocabulary tests on a book: English Vocabulary in Use: pre-intermediate to intermediate,
. test on the most common grammar and vocabulary mistakes (Répétiteur),
. pronunciation test.
- Oral examination at the end of the year: discussion in small groups of students on a given familiar topic

Course material:
- Course notes,
- Répétiteur,
- Vocabulary book: English Vocabulary in Use: pre-intermediate to intermediate.

Training staff:
The teacher is available during her reception hours and can be contacted by e-mail.