University of Warsaw - Central Authentication System

Practical English

General data

Course ID:	4100-3SNJAO
Erasmus code / ISCED:	05.1 The subject classification code consists of three to five digits, where the first three represent the classification of the discipline according to the Discipline code list applicable to the Socrates/Erasmus program, the fourth (usually 0) - possible further specification of discipline information, the fifth - the degree of subject determined based on the year of study for which the subject is intended. / (0110) Education, not further defined The ISCED (International Standard Classification of Education) code has been designed by UNESCO.
Course title:	Practical English
Name in Polish:	Nauka języka angielskiego
Organizational unit:	Centre for Foreign Language Teacher Training and European Education UW
Course groups:	Obligatory subjects in semester III in CKNJOIEE UW - first cycle studies
ECTS credit allocation (and other scores):	6.00 Basic information on ECTS credits allocation principles: the annual hourly workload of the student’s work required to achieve the expected learning outcomes for a given stage is 1500-1800h, corresponding to 60 ECTS; the student’s weekly hourly workload is 45 h; 1 ECTS point corresponds to 25-30 hours of student work needed to achieve the assumed learning outcomes; weekly student workload necessary to achieve the assumed learning outcomes allows to obtain 1.5 ECTS; work required to pass the course, which has been assigned 3 ECTS, constitutes 10% of the semester student load.
Language:	English
Type of course:	obligatory courses
Prerequisites (description):	Individual students should have successfully met all of the requirements of the Year One Practical English course prior to commencing Year Two. This, in part, entails them having reached a C1 minimum of language competence
Short description:	The aim of the Practical English courses during the second year of undergraduate studies is to improve students' language skills in English at the B2+/C1 level, as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The Practical English courses in year two are intended to build on students' existing knowledge and good study habits that they have developed in year one. Greater flexibility is shown by teachers in year two towards the range of materials introduced in the classroom. As a result, teachers may display a move away from concrete concepts towards more abstract' and / or academic / educational / social topics.
Full description:	Practical English - Reading The aim of the Practical English - Reading course is to improve students’ reading skills and develop their research skills (collecting, analyzing, selecting, assessing and synthesizing information) and to prepare them for the independent analysis of texts of various types. Two types of source texts are analyzed: cultural texts written in formal English and scientific texts. Working with the source text includes its critical analysis and an attempt to integrate the information it contains with the students’ previous knowledge. When analyzing the source text, students identify the presented problem / thesis, the arguments / research methods used and the conclusions reached by the author of the text. In addition to a thorough understanding of the content of the source text, students adopt a critical attitude towards the judgements and theories encountered in the text. As part of the course, students also become acquainted with the specificity of two varieties of English: the formal variety and the academic register as well as their characteristic features. Particular attention is paid to the following aspects of the formal and scientific register of English: professional vocabulary and terminology, syntax, organization and argumentation in the text, formal and logical consistency of the text. The course develops students’ linguistic awareness and sensitivity to precise, logically and linguistically correct expression of their views. Course objectives: • Developing the ability to read and interpret the content of cultural texts in formal English and scientific texts • Developing critical thinking skills • Developing the ability to articulate thoughts precisely and clearly in relation to the source text • Developing students’ academic vocabulary at B2+ / C1 level. Range of topics in winter semester: • comprehensive and in-depth analysis of longer academic and popular science texts and press articles on various topics • developing critical thinking skills • elements of critical text analysis: author, goal, recipient, thesis, arguments for the thesis and their assessment: fact or opinion • hidden and double meanings, irony, linguistic joke • developing knowledge and ability to use academic vocabulary Range of topics in summer semester: • introducing elements of comprehensive and in-depth analysis of longer academic and popular science texts and press articles on various topics • developing critical thinking skills • developing knowledge and ability to use academic vocabulary • introducing elements of critical text analysis: - identifying author, goal, recipient, thesis, arguments for the thesis and their assessment, fact or opinion, - identifying ways to strengthen an argument - identifying in-text referencing - assessing the logic of an argument - identifying emotive language and persuasion techniques - identifying hidden and double meanings, irony, linguistic joke Detailed information about the Practical English - Reading course can be found in the individual syllabuses for each class group. Practical English - Writing The main objectives of the Practical English - Writing course are to improve the accuracy and range of vocabulary, grammar and punctuation. The course will give students the opportunity to analyze and produce a variety of argumentative and critical texts as well as apply advanced writing techniques in the presentation and organization of their own thoughts. Individual and pair work will be conducted during the classes. Grade will be based on homework and in-class writing. In the second semester, students will write 3 000-word papers on educational topics. Range of topics in winter semester: • Biography of an elder relative • Review and consolidation of article use • Review and consolidation of punctuation: comma, semi-colon, apostrophe, hyphen • Review and consolidation of sentence structure: subordination, coordination, relative clauses, cleft-sentences • Critical response writing Range of topics in summer semester: Long essay • Selection and narrowing down of the research topic • Formulating and modifying thesis • Complementary reading and note-taking • Introduction and conclusion in academic writing • Outlining a paper • Quotation, citation, bibliography and how to avoid plagiarism • Advanced exercises for sentence and paragraph structure, grammar, punctuation, abstract and translation Detailed information about the Practical English - Writing course can be found in the individual syllabuses for each class group. Practical English - Oral communication The main objectives of the Practical English - Oral communication course: to develop students' listening and speaking skills as well as vocabulary at B2+/C1 level. Classroom time focuses on students performing short oral tasks based on various types of didactic materials. This involves students in a variety of interactions - individual, pair and group work, allowing them to practise their oral skills. Classes based on a typical problem-solving situation should allow time for: 1. preparation for the task (e.g. teaching aids such as text, audio / video recordings) 2. planning the execution of the task 3. performing the task (students work on a designated topic 4. reporting the results of the task and allowing time for feedback Range of topics in winter semester: • Interpersonal relationships • Education and current affairs • Culture and the arts in education • Health and wellbeing • Exploring the world of economics • Presentation 1: structuring a recorded oral presentation Note: topics may be implemented during several classes Range of topics in summer semester: • A sense of place: urban and educational environments • Exploring social issues in education • Childhood psychology in education • Using history in education • Presentation 2: structuring an in-class presentation Note: topics may be implemented during several classes Detailed information about the Practical English - Oral communication course can be found in the individual syllabuses for each class group.
Bibliography:	Practical English - Reading • Alderson, Ch. 2000. Assessing Reading. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press • Cox, K. & D.Hill 2004. English for Academic Purposes, Longman • McCarthy,M., F.O’Dell 2008. Academic Vocabulary in Use. CUP • Swan, M. 1999. Understanding Ideas. Advanced Reading Skills. CUP. • Warwick, L., L.Rogers. 2018. Skilfull 4. Reading & Writing. Macmillan. • Other chosen materials (np. advertisements) Practical English - Writing • Cory, H. (1999). Advanced Writing with English in Use CAE. Oxford. • de Chazal, E. & Moore, J. (2013). Oxford EAP: Advanced/C1. Oxford. • Gillett, A. (2024). Using English for Academic Purposes for students in higher education.https://www.uefap.org/ • On-campus Writing Lab. (2024). Purdue University. https://owl.purdue.edu/index.html • Other chosen materials Practical English - Oral communication • Brook-Hart, G. & Haines, S. (2014). Complete advanced (2nd ed.). Cambridge English. • Burgess, S. & Thomas, A. (2008). Gold G1. Pearson Education. • Hewings , M. (2017). English pronunciation in use: Advanced. Cambridge. • McCarthy M. & O’Dell, F. (2008). English academic vocabulary in use. CUP. • Soars, J. & Soars, L., (2019) Headway advanced (5th ed.). OUP. • Vince, M. (2009). Advanced language practice. Macmillan Heinemann. • Wellman, G. (1998). The Heinemann English wordbuilder. Macmillan Heinemann. • BBC Radio / PBS podcasts • Other chosen materials
Learning outcomes:	Practical English - Reading The graduate is able to: K_U01: search, analyse, evaluate, select and use information, using a variety of sources and methods in English. K_U11: conduct an argument using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions in English. K_U12: communicate in English, using a variety of channels and techniques, with all participants in the teaching-learning process and experts in the academic disciplines and subjects that are relevant to the field of studies in foreign language teaching. K_U14: prepare, and deliver in public, oral presentations in English for specific purposes, using basic theoretical approaches, as well as a variety of sources. The graduate is prepared to: K_K01: pursue lifelong learning. K_K02: reflect on the level of their skills and knowledge, constantly develop professionally and personally,self-assess their competences, improve their skills, plan their development and training. Practical English - Writing The graduate is able to: K_U01: search, analyse, evaluate, select and use information, using a variety of sources and methods in English. K_U11: conduct an argument using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions in English. K_U12: communicate in English, using a variety of channels and techniques, with all participants in the teaching-learning process and experts in the academic disciplines and subjects that are relevant to the field of studies in foreign language teaching. K_U13: prepare written work in English, relevant to their course of studies, at an appropriate academic level, on specific issues, using basic theoretical approaches and a variety of sources The graduate is prepared to: K_K01: pursue lifelong learning. K_K02: reflect on the level of their skills and knowledge, constantly develop professionally and personally,self-assess their competences, improve their skills, plan their development and training. Practical English - Oral communication The graduate is able to: K_U01: search, analyse, evaluate, select and use information, using a variety of sources and methods in English. K_U11: conduct an argument using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions in English. K_U14: prepare, and deliver in public, oral presentations in English for specific purposes, using basic theoretical approaches, as well as a variety of sources. K_U15: speak and write consistently and precisely in English on topics related to educational matters, applying different theoretical approaches and using findings from other disciplines related to the field of studies K_U18: use their speech apparatus in accordance with the principles of voice projection The graduate is prepared to: K_K01: pursue lifelong learning. K_K02: reflect on the level of their skills and knowledge, constantly develop professionally and personally,self-assess their competences, improve their skills, plan their development and training. K_K04: conduct interpersonal and intercultural communication mediating with participants in the teaching-learning process in a local and global context K_K05: interact and work in a group, performing various roles
Assessment methods and assessment criteria:	sylabusie Nauka Języka Angielskiego - Egzamin. Only those students who have achieved a pass mark in all NJA courses in the winter semester are allowed to attend the NJA courses in the summer semester. All NJA courses end with a grade. The condition for obtaining credit for the course is: • attendance (according to regulations below), • systematic work, • completion of tasks within the deadlines. Only work created solely by the student will be accepted. Maximum number of unexcused absences: • Practical English - Reading (blended course): 1 absence • Practical English - Writing (on-site course): 2 absences • Practical English - Oral communication (on-site course): 2 absences Detailed information on the assessment methods and assessment criteria of the NJA courses can be found in the syllabuses for each group. Practical English - Exam Practical English courses in year two of undergraduate studies ends with an exam after the summer semester. Only those students who have achieved a pass mark in all NJA courses in the winter and summer semesters are allowed to take the Practical English Exam. Detailed information about the exam can be found in the Practical English - Exam syllabus.
Internships:	Not applicable

Classes in period "Winter semester 2024/25" (past)

Time span:	2024-10-01 - 2025-01-26	Selected timetable range: weekly course term Go to timetable MO CWK3 CWK2 CWK2 CWK2 CWK3 CWK2 TU CWK1 CWK3 CWK3 W CWK1 TH CWK1 CWK1 FR
Type of class:	Classes 1 - reading skills, 30 hours more information Classes 2 - writing skills, 30 hours more information Classes 3 - oral communication skills, 30 hours more information
Coordinators:	Graham Carr
Group instructors:	Graham Carr, Stephen Davies, Hanna Gozdawa-Gołębiowska, Michał Kuźmicki, Anna Żarnotal
Students list:	(inaccessible to you)
Credit:	Course - Grading Classes 1 - reading skills - Grading Classes 2 - writing skills - Grading Classes 3 - oral communication skills - Grading
Short description:	The Year Two Practical English course aims to develop skills and study habits instilled in Year One. These ought to have the aim of developing the student's confidence and independence in the following areas: - comprehending and responding to a range of academic texts; - the abiltiy to confidently use a variety of structures and argumentative devices in a range of academic compositions; - an awareness of the varieties of English found authentic listening tasks; - an awareness of the complexities and nuances of the language used in speaking tasks
Full description:	The Year Two Practical English course aims to build upon the students’ existing knowledge of variations of speech patterns and non-standard English pronunciation. Furthermore, it encourages the student to be more confident in the ability to transcribe the spoken word and to formulate their own listening tasks from recorded material. It also encourages use of the internet and library as sources for material for speaking/reading/writing tasks. In addition, it fosters awareness of the rules governing grammar, word-building and word forms; develops critical expertise and awareness of text structure; links the course to other language and content courses in the curriculum; contributes to the wider mission of producing thinking, analytical graduates; separates objective and subjective argumentation and identifies and examines different modes of narrative. The course stresses the importance of understanding and appreciating the skills required for academic writing and, therfore, builds on the work of the previous year. Finally, it increases the accuracy and range of vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, enabling students to manage and comprehend a variety of texts and competently employ strategies to develop and structure ideas, which makes it possible to provide practice in error correction tasks; teach the value of self and peer-correction; build an awareness and sensitivity towards otherness and difference, both inside and outside the classroom.
Bibliography:	See individual courses for more details
Notes:	Students are limited to TWO absences during the 2024 winter semester. In exceptional circumstances, consult with your subject teacher. Any home assignments that are uploaded by the teacher MUST also have some classroom time dedicated to feedback, etc.

Classes in period "Winter semester 2025/26" (future)

Time span:	2025-10-01 - 2026-01-25	Selected timetable range: weekly course term Go to timetable
Type of class:	Classes 1 - reading skills, 30 hours more information Classes 2 - writing skills, 30 hours more information Classes 3 - oral communication skills, 30 hours more information
Coordinators:	Graham Carr, Joanna Fituła
Group instructors:	(unknown)
Students list:	(inaccessible to you)
Credit:	Course - Grading Classes 1 - reading skills - Grading Classes 2 - writing skills - Grading Classes 3 - oral communication skills - Grading
Short description:	The Year Two Practical English course aims to develop skills and study habits instilled in Year One. These ought to have the aim of developing the student's confidence and independence in the following areas: - comprehending and responding to a range of academic texts; - the abiltiy to confidently use a variety of structures and argumentative devices in a range of academic compositions; - an awareness of the varieties of English found authentic listening tasks; - an awareness of the complexities and nuances of the language used in speaking tasks
Full description:	The Year Two Practical English course aims to build upon the students’ existing knowledge of variations of speech patterns and non-standard English pronunciation. Furthermore, it encourages the student to be more confident in the ability to transcribe the spoken word and to formulate their own listening tasks from recorded material. It also encourages use of the internet and library as sources for material for speaking/reading/writing tasks. In addition, it fosters awareness of the rules governing grammar, word-building and word forms; develops critical expertise and awareness of text structure; links the course to other language and content courses in the curriculum; contributes to the wider mission of producing thinking, analytical graduates; separates objective and subjective argumentation and identifies and examines different modes of narrative. The course stresses the importance of understanding and appreciating the skills required for academic writing and, therfore, builds on the work of the previous year. Finally, it increases the accuracy and range of vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, enabling students to manage and comprehend a variety of texts and competently employ strategies to develop and structure ideas, which makes it possible to provide practice in error correction tasks; teach the value of self and peer-correction; build an awareness and sensitivity towards otherness and difference, both inside and outside the classroom.
Bibliography:	See individual courses for more details
Notes:	Students are limited to TWO absences during the 2024 winter semester. In exceptional circumstances, consult with your subject teacher. Any home assignments that are uploaded by the teacher MUST also have some classroom time dedicated to feedback, etc.

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