English as a Foreign Language

Students at outside cafe

ET1001 (first semester)

ET1001 is a credit-bearing module and a preparation for, although not a prerequisite of, ET1002 in the second semester. There are four classes a week, attendance at each of which is required, as there are no ‘stand-alone’ classes and the work of each is linked to and supports the work of the others. This module aims to help you to communicate effectively in writing and speaking in a variety of non-academic contexts. The development of listening skills is emphasised as a vital aspect of this.

Module information

Class hour: 15.00 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
Location: All classes will be held in the ELT Centre, Kinnessburn
Credits: 20
Anti-requisite: Native Speaker of English, a pass at Higher, A-Level or equivalent in English

>> ET1001 module content

Functional Language addresses the language required to function effectively in the kinds of situations you may well find yourself in. Building on what you already know, you are encouraged to extend your knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of a given everyday context. The importance of an appropriate register is emphasised. You are expected to produce a variety of different pieces of written work for continuous assessment.

The aims of Listening and Speaking are twofold:

to develop your ability to understand everyday spoken English
to improve your confidence and spoken competence in non-academic contexts.

Creative Language encourages you to extend your active vocabulary and become more adventurous in your expression – notably in writing in a non-academic context. Projects is designed to foster teamwork, and marks are awarded both for individual effort and group participation.The Group Project work enables you to integrate the skills practised in the other classes in a collaborative and creative way. The classes are designed to foster the skills needed to survive in an English-speaking environment, and, whilst this is not necessarily a module objective, will also supplement your other academic studies in St Andrews.

>> ET1001 transferable skills

It is envisaged that the skills you acquire and practise on this module will benefit you while you are here at St Andrews and beyond. Overall, this module gives students an insight into how English works in a non-academic context. Through this, you can use the
language to your advantage in a range of situations. The aim of the module is to:

improve your accuracy in the use of the language, thus increasing confidence
introduce you to non-academic styles of writing in English, such as letters, emails and stories.
broaden your range of idiom and informal language, which it is hoped will also be useful outside the class
develop the ability to listen to and understand a range of authentic material
draw together all the skills practised and through small group work develop confidence in the use of the English language

>> ET1001 continuous assessment and examination

Assessment

Continuous assessment 60%, written examination 40%

Reassessment

Continuous assessment 60%, written examination 40%

Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements to gain credits for the module:

Attendance at all classes
Completion of assessed tasks before the end of the teaching period
Sitting the examination

ET1002 (second semester)

ET1002 looks at aspects of English where meaning is not always immediately obvious, such as idiomatic language, journalese, verse and drama. The approach is similar to ET1001 in that each student's ability to develop communicative skills is regarded as the main aim of the course, although it is not necessary to have completed the first semester's module in order to take this one. Drama has proved to be a popular part of this course as acting and play reading are very helpful in developing confidence in using the language and pronunciation and is also very enjoyable!

Module information

Click on the links below to learn about the module in more detail:

>> ET1002 module content

The strand Listening and Speaking will address themes such as sounds, spellings, proverbs and poetry. You will also focus on topics such as homophones and multiple meanings; puns and humour; alliteration; writing concisely; indirect speech; and narrative.

In Drama classes there will be a reading and discussion of the themes and characters in a set text.

As part of the continuous assessment for this module there will be three group Projects, in which class members will work in small groups on topics such as newspapers in Britain, scriptwriting and drama. This type of work work enables you to integrate the skills practised in the other classes in a collaborative and creative way. The classes are designed to foster the skills needed to survive in an English speaking environment, and, whilst this is not necessarily a module objective, will also supplement your other academic studies in St Andrews.

>> ET1002 transferable skills

It is envisaged that the skills you acquire and practise on ET1002 will benefit you while you are here at St Andrews and beyond. Overall, this module gives students an insight into how English works in a non-academic context. Through this, you can use the language to your advantage in a range of situations. The aim of the module is to:

improve your accuracy in the use of the language, thus increasing confidence
introduce you to non-academic styles of writing in English, such as newspapers, works of fiction and poetry
broaden your range of idiom and informal language, which it is hoped will also be useful outside the class
develop the ability to listen to and understand a range of authentic material
draw together all the skills practised and through small group work
develop confidence in the use of the English language

>> ET1002 continuous assessment and examination

Assessment

Continuous assessment 60%, written examination 40%

Reassessment

Continuous assessment 60%, written examination 40%

Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements to gain credits for the module:

Attendance at all classes
Completion of assessed tasks before the end of the teaching period
Sitting the examination

University of St Andrews

English Language Teaching