Multicontrastive English for Teachers

The course is given as a freestanding course.

In addition to general entry requirements, i.e. Swedish 3/Swedish as second language 3/TISUS and English 6/English level 2/IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 580 in all parts, the following is required for admission to the course: completed introductory course in English 1-30 credits or the equivalent, and completed intermediate course 31-60 credits or the equivalent where theoretical studies in grammar and phonetics are included.

The course contains the following two sub-courses:

Module 1:

Multicontrastive grammar and written language proficiency, 5.5 higher education credits

The module gives an overview of typical contrastive fields in grammar and written language proficiency where students may have problems. Comparisons are made with primarily Swedish, but also with some other common first languages in Sweden. The students are expected to have a good basic grammatical knowledge when they start the course. In the course, the ability to understand and explain contrastive differences in grammar is trained. Didactic questions linked to contrastive problem areas and concepts, for example transfer and feedback, are discussed. Different basic grammatical concepts, for example descriptive versus prescriptive grammar and communicative skills, are dealt with, and in the language proficiency part of the module further aspects of contrastive differences in structure and style are highlighted. Here contrastive differences in for example vocabulary and idiomatic expressions are also discussed and studied.

Module 2:
Multicontrastive phonetics and pronunciation, 2 higher education credits

In the module, students are partly given an outline of typical contrastive differences regarding intonation, stress, English vowels and consonants, mainly between English and Swedish, partly an overview of phonetic transcription which should of use both in teaching at school and in the students' own practice of pronunciation. In the course, principles and methods of teaching pronunciation are also discussed.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
- identify, correct and explain grammatical errors in beginners at different levels;
- identify, correct and explain typical pronunciation and intonation errors in beginners at different levels;

Competence and skills
- discuss in writing and orally using an extended vocabulary and in idiomatic English contrastive problems in English grammar, phonetics and language proficiency;
- read and write basic transcriptions;
- account for how the acquired knowledge and understanding can be put into practice in a classroom situation;

Judgement and approach
- discuss critically and independently the acquired knowledge.

The course is given as an on-campus course or a distance course. The forms of instruction are lectures, seminars and group discussions. As a distance course, the teaching is web based.

Language of instruction: English and Swedish

Module 1 is assessed through a written examination and an oral presentation. Module 2 is examined through a written examination.

A student who has failed a course item is eligible for a retake exam/assignment. In connection with written assignments, supplementary assignments may be offered in order for the student to achieve a Pass grade. Such a supplementary assignment should be done within the stipulated time (normally five working days after the result has been posted). Otherwise a Fail grade will be reported.

A student who has completed an exam/assignment with a passing grade is not eligible for a retake for the purpose of receiving a higher grade. Nor may a student withdraw a test/assignment once it has been submitted for the purpose of avoiding receiving a grade for the work.

If a student, who has been failed twice on the same course component being examined, requests a change of examiner before the next examination session, a request of this kind must be sent in writing to the department responsible for the course, and shall be granted, unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22, Higher Education Ordinance).

If the University of Gothenburg has decided that a student is eligible for special study support, the examiner may, provided it is compatible with the aim of the course and it can be done within the scope of available resources, decide to offer the student an adjusted examination or a different examination format.

If the course has been discontinued or substantially revised, a student should be guaranteed to sit the examination on at least three occasions (including the ordinary examination occasion) during a period of at least one year, but not later than two years after the course was discontinued or revised. As regards internships/placement the same as above applies, with the exception that examination is offered on only one occasion.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). For the grade of Pass with distinction on the whole course, this grade is required on at least 50% of the number of points of the course.

The students are given the opportunity to make a written evaluation of the course. The results of the evaluation are published digitally.

Equality aspects should be taken in consideration in content, literature, teaching and evaluation.