English for Political Scientists (Advanced level)
[ANGL1531]
[45h] 3 credits
This course is taught in the 1st & 2d semester.
Teacher(s): Timothy Byrne(coord.), Keith Carlon
Language: English
Level: First
Aims
The student should be able to understand articles and reports on topical issues in which the author(s) adopt(s) a particular attitude or a specific point of view. The student should be able to quickly scan or skim through long and complex factual texts to find specific pieces of information or get the gist of the main points. He or she should be able to extract information, ideas and opinions from specialized sources in his or her domain. They should have a broad vocabulary to this end. They should be able to apply the main points of a text in conversation.
Upper B2 level of the Common European Framework for Languages.
Listening Comprehension
Individual:
- The student should be able to understand conferences and longish speeches and be able to follow complex argumentation. They should be able to understand current-event television programs and the television news, as well as the majority of feature films in standard English.
Interactive:
- The student should be able to follow argumentation in conversation (even if they would need to be explained certain details, especially if the accent is not familiar to them).
Upper B2 level of the Common European Framework for Languages.
Speaking Skills
Individual:
- The student should be able to develop a point of view on a topical subject and explain the advantages and shortcomings of various possibilities. They should be able to present complex subject-matter, integrating its themes, developing certain points and conclude their intervention appropriately.
Interactive:
- The student should be able to communicate spontaneously and fluently, to a degree that allows for normal interaction with a native-speaker interlocutor.
Upper B2 level of the Common European Framework for Languages.
Writing Skills:
The student should be able to write an essay putting across information or developing the reasons in favour or against a given opinion. They should be able to express themselves in a clear and well-structured text and develop their point of view.
Upper B2 level of the Common European Framework for Languages.
Code:
Broadening of the students' range of specialized vocabulary.
Development of complex grammatical structures in context.
Content and teaching methods
Reading outside the classroom of texts linked to the student's domain;
Debates organized in little groups on the texts read outside the classroom;
Weekly broadcasting of news bulletins and other television-programs on topical issues;
Debates organized in little groups on the programs seen in the language laboratory;
Continuous assessment (see below, under assessment);
Interactive presentation during classroom hours (after having received tips on this skill);
Writing of essays linked to the student's domain (after having received tips on this skill).
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)
The student should have followed the intermediate-level course (ANGL 1331) or a course of a similar level, corresponding to the Upper B1 level of the Common European Framework for Languages (European Council).
Workload
- Classroom hours: 60
- Self-study: 24
Pedagogical accompaniment:
This is a two-hour course, taught weekly throughout the academic year, in groups of maximum 18 students.
Every teacher has at least one office-hour a week and can be contacted by email.
Accompaniment at the Self-Tuition Centre (CAA) and the Multimedia Room (SMM)
Didactic aids:
Course notes.
Audio- and videotapes used in the language laboratories and available at the Self-Study Centre (CAA).
Internet-site of the course (iCampus - with Forums).
Assessment:
Continuous assessment (summative and formative)
Assessment in the form of vocabulary tests, grammar tests, pronunciation tests, forum contributions and essay-writing
Classroom participation
Classroom presentations
Written exam
Oral exam