Introduction to Academic Studies in English

The course is given as a freestanding course.

The course is based on research in EAP (English for Academic Purposes) and prepares the students both for further studies in the subject English and for studies in subjects where teaching and/or examination takes place in English. The written parts focus on English language for special purposes and include critical reading and writing, argumentation, language correctness as well as stylistic aspects. The oral parts focus on developing the students' ability to communicate clearly and correctly in an academic context. The course has a practical specialisation, which means that course participants work with authentic texts (their own and those of others) through analyses and discussions.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• Identify different arguments and how these are supported in academic texts;
• Identify different academic genres and their characteristics;

Skills and abilities

• Discuss content and structure in an academic text both orally and in writing;
• Express himself or herself in English in an academic context, both orally and in writing, without disturbing errors;
• Follow conventions that are relevant for academic genres;

Judgement and approach

• Critically reflect on relevant academic themes;
• Argue in favour of his or her own position as well as relate this to other perspectives of the content of the course.

The teaching is conducted in the form of seminars.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined through written assignments and an oral presentation.

Students who have failed any part of the course are given the possibility of a new test. Those who have passed a subtest may not undergo a new test for a higher grade. Nor do students have the right to withdraw a submitted test and in such a way avoid being graded.

If a student who has failed the same examined component twice, wishes to change examiner before the next examination, a written application should be sent to the department responsible for the course and be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

In cases where a course has been discontinued or has undergone major changes, the student should normally be guaranteed at least three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination) during a period of at least one year from the last time the course was given.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

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

The course forms a good preparation for studies on the basic course in English.

This course lies outside the progression within English as the main field of study and can only be included in a degree as an elective course.

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