Swinburne University of Technology
SWINBURNE COLLEGE Course Information Booklet 2014 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 4
EAP Level 4 – Swinburne College – Swinburne University of Technology
Welcome to EAP Level 4 This course information booklet will explain the aims of the course, your academic assessment and the necessary information to support you in your studies.
Broad Aims The broad aim of the course is to prepare you for tertiary study by assisting in the development of the skills necessary for academic success while improving language proficiency.
Rationale This course has been designed to prepare you for study at Swinburne College/University and familiarise you with Australian university methods of instruction. You are expected to have a degree of independence in your learning and to manage time effectively. You are also expected to interact with your peers, ask questions and think critically.
Modes of Study English language study takes place through a combination of classroom delivery and elearning.
Content At the end of this course you will be able to: Writing/Grammar
Plan, outline, write and edit an essay that establishes cause and effect relationships using appropriate language and structures Plan, outline, write and edit an essay that develops an argument by synthesizing information using appropriate language and structures Produce a writing folio incorporating: classification, extended definitions, data commentary and evaluation, processes, argument, future projection, generalisation on an area of research using appropriate language and structures
Reading
Read academic texts for main ideas and specific information Use skimming, scanning and inferencing techniques to better understand academic texts Develop critical reading strategies Use a range of note-taking skills
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EAP Level 4 – Swinburne College – Swinburne University of Technology
Listening
Listen for main ideas and specific information in an academic context Use a range of listening strategies to improve comprehension Use a range of note-taking skills
Speaking Weeks 1 - 9 – Seminars
Demonstrate effective communication skills to participate appropriately in group interactions and seminar discussions using a range of suitable vocabulary and grammar structures Use appropriate pronunciation, stress, intonation, cohesive devices and body language
Weeks 1 - 5 – Group Oral Presentation
Research, outline, structure and organise content of a cause/effect or problem/solution topic Communicate/negotiate ideas with group members Use appropriate pronunciation, stress, intonation, cohesive devices and body language
Weeks 6 - 10 – Debate
Research a current issue and present a persuasive argument either for or against Communicate/negotiate ideas with group members Present information in a logical order and use a range of persuasive and argumentative vocabulary Use appropriate pronunciation, stress, intonation, cohesive devices and body language
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EAP Level 4 – Swinburne College – Swinburne University of Technology
Assessment Overview Your progress will be continuously monitored and evaluated using formative and summative assessment tasks in each skill area of Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening and Study Skills. You will receive ongoing feedback and assistance with your progress when needed.
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Study Skills
%
Assessments
20
Listening Test – Week 5
40
Listening Test – Week 10
60
Reading Journal – Weeks 4 & 8
40
Reading Test – Week 10
60
Writing Folio (Weekly Tasks)
30
Cause and Effect Essay – Outline, First Draft and Final Essay – Week 5
30
Argument Essay – Week 9
40
Seminars – Weeks 2 - 9
30
Group Presentation – Cause/Effect OR Problem/Solution – Week 5
40
Debate – Week 10
30
Independent Learning Centre (ILC)/E-learning
50
Approach to Study
50
20
30
20
10
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Weighting %
Working independently, classroom participation, completion of classroom tasks, punctuality and working in groups
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EAP Level 4 – Swinburne College – Swinburne University of Technology
Student Responsibilities Assessment
You need to satisfactorily complete all required tasks and assessments. Your offer letter will inform you of the entry requirements for your next course To progress to week 6 of your course you must have completed all the assessment tasks satisfactorily for Weeks 1 – 5. If you missed assessment tasks with no valid reason, you will be required to repeat weeks 1 – 5. If you scored very low marks in weeks 1-5 you will also be required to repeat. This will be decided by the Academic Program Manager in consultation with the class teachers. At Week 10, for progression to TAFE Cert/Foundation Studies you will require 65% overall with all skills 65% or greater At Week 10, for progression to TAFE Dip/Associate Dip/Unlink/EAP 5 you will require 70% overall with all skills 65% or greater If you do not achieve these scores you will be required to repeat weeks 6-10 If you miss any assessments due to illness, a medical certificate must be produced within 72 hours of the test in order for a re-sit to be considered If you are absent from a test, you will not receive any marks unless there are special reasons that you can support with original documents (e.g. medical certificates)
Conceded Pass – CP If you do not successfully achieve the level, you may be awarded a Conceded Pass (CP) to progress to EAP 5 (only) if: 1. you did not enter the current level on a CP 2. your overall score is 70% but your score for one skill area only (with the exception of writing) is less than 65% but no lower than 60% 3. your attendance has not fallen below 80% minimum for the 10 week course and your study skills score is 80% minimum. 4. it is approved by the Academic Program Manager. A Conceded Pass cannot be awarded at exit points EAP4 or EAP5. At Risk
If you have not satisfactorily completed all the required tasks, you may be asked to repeat Weeks 1 to 5 in order to consolidate your English Language Skills
Attendance
You need to attend at least 80% or more classes to satisfactorily complete this level You should not make arrangements to leave before the end of your assessment as it may affect your progression to the next level
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EAP Level 4 – Swinburne College – Swinburne University of Technology
Cheating
You MUST not cheat in a test You MUST not copy work from another student You MUST not get another student to do your work for you
Plagiarism Plagiarism is the action or practice of taking and submitting or presenting the thoughts, writing or other work of someone else as though it is your own work (Academic Board 2009). All written tasks MUST acknowledge the original source Teachers may ask you to upload your assignments via Turnitin (Anti-Plagiarism Software) If any of your assignments are found to be plagiarised, you will be asked to re-submit Please go to the orientation information tab in Blackboard for a full explanation of Plagiarism with a link to the official Swinburne University Plagiarism Policy
Concerns Academic
If you have any queries during your course, you should first talk to your teacher(s) who will discuss the issue with you and hopefully find a solution If your teachers are unable to help, they will refer you to the Academic Program Manager Finally, if the Academic Program Manager is unable to help you, you may be referred to the Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS)
General
If you have a general problem you can see the Student Support Manager, Byron Coonerty in TD133 or call 9214 5668 You can also see an International Student Advisor to help you. To make an appointment call 9214 6741 or email isa@swin.edu.au.
Independent Learning Centre (ILC: TD 140) and E-learning
The Independent Learning Centre provides learning materials and resources for your independent study You are required to do a minimum of 5 hours of independent learning per week; this includes a minimum of 1 hour a week on Blackboard You can access Blackboard at home or anywhere else you have Internet access
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