English II builds upon the contents and competences acquired during English I, in the first year of the degree programme. The course will focus on two areas: the development of English skills and teaching through English. The development of English skills will focus on grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary along with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through studying a wide range of contents which will help the student develop his/ her English skills in order to communicate more effectively. Students will develop their skills as teachers through sessions on different areas of teaching methodology and they will learn to apply what they have learnt through microteaching. Throughout the course students will continually be playing the role of learner and teacher with the aim of improving their English skills, learning about teaching through English and applying these skills in their teaching practice.

The essential prerequisite for this course is to have passed the subject English I and to have at least a B1 level of English to be able to cope with the level of this subject which is taught at a B2 level of English. Students must attend general English courses within or outside of the University if the level of the course is too difficult for them.

 

Learning and teaching methodologies are based on a socio-constructivist approach in which learners construct and co-construct their understanding of the knowledge and concepts acquired. Classes will normally be based on a communicative approach with students interacting through a wide range of class activities, which will include problem-solving, debates, micro-teaching and role-playing some of the situations that may arise in the classroom. This approach enables maximum student participation and talking time in class. It also encourages cooperative learning and meaningful interaction between students and the development of the professional competences of this degree programme. The Learning Space will be used throughout the course to focus on those areas which are not covered in the syllabus but are considered to be relevant for improving English skills and teaching practice.

Students will notified at the start of the course regarding when we will be using the Learning Space and the activities we will focus on.

 

Tutorials

 

Students are encouraged to avail of tutorial sessions as during these sessions, students can ask questions, clarify concepts, ask for additional bibliography, etc. Some tutorial time will be devoted to assistance with group work. Your lecturer will inform you about tutorial times.

 

Independent Study

 

Students are expected to complete all independent study tasks mentioned in this syllabus. These tasks are focused on the development of reading, writing and listening skills along with vocabulary extension. As regards Evaluated Tasks all students are required to upload their completed tasks on the PDU on the submission date. No late submissions will be excepted unless there is a justified reason which must be communicated to the lecturer. All tasks must be completed as they will be evaluated directly or indirectly (through participation, individual work or group work). It is therefore very important to check the PDU every week.