University of Limerick Language Centre Teenager by Xavier Jehl

SUMMER PROGRAMME 2010 U NIVERSITY of

L IMERICK

OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH

L ANGUAGE C ENTRE IRELAND

Courses General English

Page 4

General English (Standard) General English (Intensive) General English and Sailing Business English

Page 5

Business English (Standard) Business English (Intensive) Courses for Teachers

Page 6 - 7

Introduction to Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Writing Your Way to Better English – Journals, Memoir and Creative Writing Introduction to Information and Communication Technology for Language Teachers Irish Literature and Culture for Teachers of English Courses For Students Preparing For University

Pages 8 – 9

Preparation for University (Super-Intensive) Levels 1 and 2 Focus on IELTS and English for Academic Purposes (Intensive) English for Academic Purposes & Study Skills (Intensive) This brochure also contains the following information: Why Study at the University of Limerick Language Centre?

Page 2

Course Information

Page 3

Standard and Intensive Courses Educational Facilities and Teachers Useful Information for all Course Participants

Pages 10 – 11

Accommodation Transport Social Programme Administration Fee Tuition fees Payment Insurance Dates and Prices

Note: At the time of going to print all information and prices on this publication are correct

w w w. u l . i e / l a n g u a g e c e n t re

Page 12

Why Study at the University of Limerick Language Centre? Facilities The University of Limerick Language Centre is based in a brand new state-of-the-art Languages Building with: • • • •

•

dedicated language learning classrooms equipped with multimedia projectors, monitors and CD players multimedia labs a digital audio language lab a large Language Resource Area for language students and teachers with a print and audio library, DVDs and CD-roms (including a significant collection of language teacher development resources) internet access and WiFi.

Campus Facilities: • • • • • •

beautiful 133 hectare university campus with river running through the grounds five on-campus villages offering self-catering accommodation a range of restaurants, bars and cafes wonderful sports facilities including Ireland’s National 50 metre Olympic-standard swimming pool, superb fitness centre and a large indoor sports hall a 1000-seat University Concert Hall offering performances of dance, ballet, musicals, drama, comedy and opera several important art collections

Nearby Attractions • • • • • • •

rich cultural heritage of adjoining area ideal location from which to visit the most scenic areas of the south and west of Ireland historic city nearby vibrant night life of Limerick a short distance away Dublin two and a half hours away Shannon International Airport just 20 km away friendly and helpful Irish people

And of course... • •

excellent teaching interesting and stimulating courses

Course Information Educational Facilities and Teachers The University of Limerick offers all the most up-to-date facilities one would expect of a modern university. The language learning facilities include computer-assisted language learning with internet and multimedia facilities, language laboratories, an extensive library (includes print, audio, video, and software facilities) and a Language Resource Area. All teachers are highly qualified in the teaching of English as a foreign language and have considerable experience. An ongoing programme of teacher development ensures that the highest academic standards are maintained. Minimum age of participants: Group size:

18 years Maximum 15 students in language classes

Standard and Intensive Language Courses Standard Courses usually run from 09.00 to 13.00 each weekday, giving a total of 20 hours each week. In the afternoons, participants may use our Language Resource Area for private study or they may explore the many attractions of Limerick city and the surrounding countryside. Intensive Courses generally run from 09.00 to 13.00 each weekday and from 14.00 to 16.30 on two afternoons each week, giving a total of 25 hours a week. Participants are free on three afternoons each week to join the social activities or explore Limerick city and the surrounding region.

Sample Weekly Timetable for all courses Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Standard and Intensive Courses

All students

10.45

Break

11.15

Standard and Intensive Courses

All students

Lunch

09.00

12.50 14.00 to 16.30

Intensive Courses only

Please note that an hour means an academic hour, i.e. 50 minutes. 3

General English Courses General English (Standard) Duration: Minimum of Two Weeks (Mornings) General English (Standard) gives participants the opportunity to use all language skills, with more intensive practice in speaking and listening. The emphasis is on developing fluency and on learning to communicate effectively in English. Communicative activities and tasks include group work, roleplaying, language games and problem-solving. Themes relating to Irish culture are also covered. This course runs for nine weeks, but participants can join the course on any Monday.

General English (Intensive) Duration: Minimum of Two Weeks (Mornings and Two Afternoons each week) Morning classes for this course follow the same syllabus as for General English (Standard). Participants will have opportunities to use all language skills, with more intensive practice in speaking and listening. The emphasis is on developing fluency and on learning to communicate effectively in English. Communicative activities and tasks include group work, role-playing, language games and problemsolving. Themes relating to Irish culture are also covered. In addition to the morning classes, participants attend classes for an additional five hours over two afternoons. The afternoon classes will allow the participants to improve their general English further by focusing on each of the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening). Course Outcomes for General English It is expected that • participants will have acquired speaking, listening, reading and writing skills appropriate to their level which can be used in a variety of familiar and some non-familiar areas; • participants will have extended their vocabulary relating to everyday activities and other themes;. • participants will have developed their communication skills; • participants will have developed autonomous learning skills; • participants will have extended their knowledge of Irish culture. Minimum Entry Level: The course is offered at several levels from Elementary to Advanced. Dates: 28 June – 27 August

General English and Sailing Duration: Minimum of Two Weeks (Mornings and 12 hours sailing) Morning classes for this course follow the same syllabus as for General English (Standard). Participants will have opportunities to use all language skills with more intensive practice in speaking and listening. The emphasis is on developing fluency and on learning to communicate effectively in English. Communicative activities and tasks include group work, role-playing, language games and problemsolving. Themes relating to Irish culture are also covered. In addition to the morning classes, participants take a Start Sailing course with the University of Limerick Activity Centre on nearby Lough Derg. This twelve hour course is taken over two afternoons/evenings a week for two weeks or over two full days at a weekend. Participants learn to sail in a dingy following the Irish Sailing Association syllabus. The maximum number of participants on a course is 6.

Business English Courses Business English (Standard) Duration: Three Weeks (Mornings) This course allows participants to develop both their business English and their general English. The course helps learners to increase their knowledge of vocabulary and terminology, as well as structures and idiomatic expressions used in international business. Through a wide range of stimulating and realistic activities, participants develop their ability to communicate in both business and general situations. Minimum Entry Level: Students should have at least an intermediate level of English (B1 on the Common European Framework). Dates: 28 June – 16 July, 26 July – 13 August

Business English (Intensive) Duration: Three Weeks ((Mornings and Two Afternoons each week) Morning classes for this course follow the same syllabus as for Business English (Standard). Participants will have opportunities to develop both their business English and their general English. The course helps learners to increase their knowledge of the vocabulary and terminology, as well as structures and idiomatic expressions used in international business. Through a wide range of stimulating and realistic activities, participants develop their ability to communicate in both business and general situations. In addition to the morning classes, participants will attend classes for an additional five hours over two afternoons. The afternoon classes will allow the participants to improve their general English further by focusing on each of the four skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Course Outcomes for Business English It is expected that • participants will have developed speaking, listening, reading and writing skills appropriate to their level, which can be used in a variety of familiar and business areas; • participants will have acquired some specialised vocabulary and terminology used in business situations (e.g. on the telephone, at meetings); • participants will have developed their presentation and report writing skills.

Minimum Entry Level: Students should have at least an intermediate level of English (B1 on the Common European Framework). Dates: 28 June – 16 July, 26 July – 13 August

Courses for Teachers All courses for teachers include: • 40 hours tuition; • All course materials; • Use of the University of Limerick’s Language Resource Area on weekday afternoons for independent study, film watching, use of computer labs; • University of Limerick certificate of attendance; • One full-day excursion, (e.g. to the Atlantic Coast of North-West Clare and the Burren); • A guided walking tour of historic Limerick; • A half-day excursion to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park; • Access to the social programme on a pay-as-you-go-basis; • Farewell reception.

Introduction to Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Duration: Two weeks (Mornings) This coures is suitable for teachers who wish to teach their subjects through English. The course consists of both lectures and workshops. The CLIL lectures and workshops will focus on teaching methodologies and activities. The language workshops are designed to provide practice in the English language using a broad variety of activities, media, and teaching techniques. Working either individually or as part of a group, participants will also develop short CLIL lessons in areas of their choice. Course Outcomes It is expected that • participants will have developed their understanding of how to integrate content and language teaching and learning; • participants will have developed their own English language skills including the language of classroom management; • participants will have developed short CLIL lessons which they can use later in their own courses. Minimum Entry Level: Intermediate (B1 on the Common European Framework). Dates: 5 – 16 July, 19 – 30 July, 3 – 13 August

Writing Your Way to Better English Journals, Memoir and Creative Writing Duration: Two weeks (Mornings) This course is suitable for teachers who would like to develop both their own writing skills and those of their students. The course covers several genres, specifically short stories, poetry, memoir, journals and blogs and allows the participants opportunities to experiment with each. Some of the topics to be covered are: audience, point-of-view, characterisation, dramatic conflict, dialogue, form and meter in poetry, editing, individual and collaborative writing. Participants will also reflect on how best to support the development of writing skills amongst their students, giving particular consideration to developing communicative writing activities and techniques for encouraging creativity. During the course, participants will have the opportunity to complete a writing project involving their own writing and/or pedagogical implications of writing. Course Outcomes By the end of the course it is expected that participants will have • developed their understanding of the writing process; • examined and developed their awareness of the following genres: short stories, poetry, memoir, journals and blogs; • practised their own writing in English on a daily basis and completed a writing project; • reflected on how to support student writing in their individual pedagogical settings. Minimum Entry Level: Intermediate (B1 on the Common European Framework). Dates: 19 – 30 July; 3 – 13 August 6

Introduction to Information and Communication Technology for Language Teachers Duration: Two weeks (Mornings) This is a forty hour in-service module for language teachers. Based on the LINGUA-funded TALLENT project, which was developed by experts in eleven European universities, the course consists of seminars and workshops on a variety of themes. The workshops, in particular, are designed to enable participants to practise using the applications introduced in the seminars, to reflect on how to integrate technology into their teaching and their students’ learning, and to develop short pedagogical projects in area/s of their choice. The course follows a negotiated syllabus, i.e. the syllabus will be finalised following analysis of the needs and interests of the group. Topics could include the pedagogic use of the following in the classroom: The self-directed learning environment and ICT

Website creation

Evaluation and exploitation of web resources

Social networking and bookmarking

Authoring tools

Applications for sharing resources

Video creation

Wiki

Podcasting

Blogs

This introductory course is suitable for language teachers with basic or limited IT skills, who would like to learn how to include ICT in their teaching. Course Objectives: It is expected that • participants will have reflected on the role that ICT can play in supporting language learning and promoting self-directed learning in their individual pedagogic settings; • participants will have become familiar with the themes, applications and tools mentioned above and will have had hands-on practice with at least six applications; • participants will have developed short pedagogical projects and an individual electronic teaching portfolio, which they can later avail of in their own teaching contexts. Minimum Entry Level: Participants should normally have an upper-intermediate standard of English (B2 on the Common European Framework). Dates: 5 – 16 July, 19 - 30 July, 3 – 13 August

Irish Literature and Culture for Teachers of English Duration: Two weeks (Mornings) This course, which is most suitable for teachers of English at secondary schools, introduces participants to Irish culture and to some contemporary Irish writers in poetry and fiction. The course consists of seminars and workshops. Teachers are encouraged to participate in the discussions and debates arising from the seminars, and thus to practise and extend their own English language skills. Working either individually or as part of a group, they will also develop short pedagogical projects in areas of their choice. Course Outcomes By the end of the course, it is expected that participants will have • • • • •

extended their knowledge of contemporary Irish culture and of Ireland’s position in Europe; become familiar with aspects of contemporary Irish literature (poetry and fiction); reflected on how to incorporate aspects of Irish culture and literature into their own teaching; developed their English language skills — particularly their speaking and listening skills through interaction both inside and outside of the class; developed short pedagogical projects, which they can use later in their own teaching contexts.

Minimum Entry Level: Participants should have an upper-intermediate standard of English (B2 on the common European Framework). Dates: 5 – 16 July, 19 - 30 July. See EU National Agency websites or the Comenius-Grundtvig Training database at http://ec.europa.eu/education/trainingdatabase/ for further information on grant applications for these courses.

Courses for Students Preparing for University The University of Limerick offers a range of courses for students who intend studying at an Englishspeaking university. The following courses are offered as part of the Summer Programme. Students may also wish to check our website for details of other Preparation for University options available during the academic year (www.ul.ie/languagecentre).

Preparation for University (Super-Intensive) levels 1 and 2 Duration: Eight Weeks (Mornings and Four Afternoons each Week) Preparation for University caters specifically for the language needs of students who intend to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Limerick. It is particularly suitable for students who have received an offer of a place on a degree programme conditional on meeting the required standard of English. The course is offered at two levels, Level 1 and Level 2. The course consists of the following modules: Integrated English Language Skills Academic Reading Academic Writing Academic Listening Academic Speaking. Course Outcomes It is expected that students will have • acquired speaking, listening, reading and writing skills which can be used in a variety of familiar and some non-familiar areas; • developed their communicative competence; • acquired the language skills necessary to meet the stated minimum English language requirements for entry to a degree programme at the University of Limerick; • developed the language and study skills necessary for university course work, whether for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree; • developed autonomous learning skills; • expanded their knowledge of Irish culture. Assessment: Assessment will be continuous, i.e. there will be a number of assessments during the course rather than one final examination. Students will be expected to attend and participate in all classes. Students who achieve a final passing grade in the Preparation for University course will have met the English language requirements for entry to degree programmes at the University of Limerick. It will not be necessary for such students to take an external English language test at the conclusion of their course. Entry Requirement: In order to gain entry to the Preparation for University Course students must produce evidence of their English language level in the form of a recent IELTS band score. Preparation for University Level 1 - The minimum entry requirement for this course is an IELTS score of 5.5 with no less than 5 in any skill. Preparation for University Level 2 - The minimum entry requirement for this course is an IELTS score of 6 with no less than 5.5 in any skill. Dates: 28 June – 20 August.

Focus on IELTS and English for Academic Purposes (Intensive) Duration: Nine Weeks (Mornings and Two Afternoons per Week) This nine-week course is designed for students who intend participating in a degree programme at the University of Limerick or another English-speaking university. The main objective of the course is to provide students with the language and study skills necessary for university course work. It is particularly suitable for students who are preparing to sit the IELTS test as a condition of entry to university. The main areas covered in the Focus on IELTS and EAP are: • development of English language skills; • preparation for the IELTS exam; • English for Academic Purposes (listening to lectures, note-taking, essay and summary writing, reading academic texts, participating in discussions and seminars, giving presentations); • study skills (including time management, learning style/s, effective learning strategies). Course Outcomes It is expected that students will have • developed their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English; • acquired the skills necessary to take the IELTS test; • developed note-taking, essay and summary writing skills, academic text reading skills, presentation and discussion skills; • extended their study skills. Minimum Entry Level: Participants should normally have at least a good intermediate standard of English (B1 on the Common European Framework). However, participants should also familiarise themselves with the minimum English language requirements for the degree programme of their choice. Please note that participation in this course does not guarantee a place on a degree programme and that applications for places on degree programmes at the University of Limerick must be made separately to the Admissions Office. The Admissions Office can be contacted by email at: Admissions@ul.ie. Further information on degree programmes for international students at the University of Limerick is available on the following website: www.ul.ie/internationaleducation. Dates: 28 June – 27 August.

English for Academic Purposes and Study Skills (Intensive) Duration: Three Weeks (Mornings and Two Afternoons per Week) This is a three-week intensive course which helps students to develop the academic English they will require to follow a degree programme at an English-speaking university. This course is particularly suitable for students who have already been offered a place on a degree programme at the University of Limerick or another third-level institution, and who would like to improve their academic English before commencing their chosen degree programme. It is also very suitable for SOCRATES/ERASMUS students. The course will include the following aspects of English for Academic Purposes: listening to lectures, note-taking, essay and summary writing, reading academic texts, participating in discussions and seminars, giving presentations. Course Outcomes It is expected that by the end of the course students will • be familiar with the language and study skills necessary for university course work, whether for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree; • have developed their note-taking, essay and summary writing skills, academic text reading skills, presentation and discussion skills. Minimum Entry Level: Students should normally have an upper-intermediate standard of English (B2 on the Common European Framework). Dates: 9 – 27 August. 9

Useful Information for All Course Participants Accommodation Accommodation on campus (student village) or with a homestay can be booked in advance, according to each course participant’s requirements. •

Campus Accommodation: The University of Limerick has five self-catering student villages on campus. These consist of individual study bedrooms with a communal kitchen and sitting-room in modern apartments/houses, which accommodate either 4 or 6 people. All bedrooms are spacious single rooms. Accommodation is normally in the newest of the student villages, (Dromroe, Thomond or Cappavilla), where all bedrooms offer quality study space and an en suite shower & toilet. Facilities: Electric heating, cable TV, card telephone in each apartment, common room, laundrette, car park, security, enclosed area for bicycles, Village Manager in residence, computer link to Internet via UL network. Price: €175 per week. This rate includes towels and bed linen on arrival, and one linen change per week. As accommodation is self-catering, housekeeping is the responsibility of the residents.

•

Homestay: There are two types of homestay to choose from: Traditional Homestay and Self-Catering Homestay. •

Traditional Homestay includes half board (bed and one evening meal) during the week and all meals at the weekend. Accommodation is organised with local families. All rooms are single rooms unless otherwise requested. Price: €165 per week.

•

In a Self Catering Homestay the family does not provide meals for the student. Instead he/she has access to all cooking facilities and looks after his/her own meals. Price: €85 per week.

For hotels, guest houses and other self-catering options, bookings can be made directly through the Irish Tourist Board website at: www.ireland.travel.ie. Information on the Limerick region is also available on the tourism section of the Shannon Development website at: www.shannonregiontourism.ie. Reasonably-priced restaurant facilities are available on the university campus. Please note that all bookings are valid from 16.00 hours on the Sunday immediately prior to course commencement. We do not charge an accommodation booking fee for course participants.

Transport •

•

• •

Limerick is located just 20 kilometres from Shannon International Airport (SNN) and easily accessible from the airport by bus or taxi. There are flights to Shannon from many European cities. There are also several connecting flights from London. Further information about Shannon Airport can be found at www.shannonairport.com. Transfers to/from Shannon Airport can be pre-arranged through the Language Centre, and cost €85 one-way. If there are flight delays, there is an additional charge of €30 per hour. Course participants are advised that taking a taxi from Shannon Airport to Limerick is less expensive than an airport transfer and can be easily arranged at the taxi desk in the arrivals hall at the airport. There is a regular bus and train service between Dublin and Limerick. Timetables are available on the following websites: Bus: www.buseireann.ie, www.jjkavanagh.ie. Train: www.irishrail.ie Commuter bus tickets are available from the city bus station.

Social Programme A range of optional free and fee-paying activities and excursions is available to course participants. The cost varies according to the activity and students only pay for those in which they decide to take part. There is something for everyone! This social programme is in addition to a free full-day excursion for all course participants. Examples of activities that have proved popular in recent years: • • • • •

Excursions to castles and towns around Limerick Sports Afternoons including Irish sports Day-long excursions to beautiful parts of Ireland Talent Competitions Irish Music Nights

• • • • •

Boat Trips on Lough Derg, a nearby lake Traditional Irish Dancing Events at the University Concert Hall Pub Quiz Nights Walking tours of historic Limerick

Administration Fee

In order to reserve a place on a course, an administration fee of €80 must be paid. The administration fee applies to all courses in the Summer Programme and is non-refundable. Participants who register for more than one course need only pay the administration fee once.

Tuition Fees Fees for all courses include tuition, textbook and/or other learning materials, a University of Limerick certificate on successful completion of the course, access to many University facilities (free or at a much reduced cost) including the University of Limerick Language Resource Area, free internet access, one free full-day excursion (Examples: Atlantic Coast or Killarney or Cork) and a farewell reception. Please see the back of this booklet for details of the tuition fee for each course.

Payment

• In order to secure a place on the course, the administration fee of €80 should be sent with a completed application form. The administration fee is separate from the tuition fees and is non-refundable. • When payments are made by bank transfer, notification should be sent to the Language Centre by fax or email in order to facilitate speedy processing of applications. Based on the experience of recent years, participants are advised to book early to secure both their choice of course and accommodation. Methods of Payment

Detail

1. Bank Transfer/Direct Credit

University of Limerick Language Centre Ulster Bank University of Limerick Limerick, Ireland Account Number: 11090494 Branch Sort Code: 986050 IBAN Code: IE27 ULSB 9860 5011 0904 94 Swift Code/BIC: ULSBIE2D

Please quote the name and four-digit student ID number of the applicant when paying by bank transfer or direct credit. If paying by bank transfer, please ensure to cover any bank charges arising.

Account Name: Complete Postal Address:

2. Credit Card

Contact language.centre@ul.ie for payment via Visa Delta, Electron, Mastercard, Maestro International, Visa Credit, Commercial Cards & Laser.

3. Bank Draft

Irish or International bank draft made payable to the University of Limerick Language Centre

Insurance Insurance is the responsibility of each course participant. Participants should arrange medical insurance in their own country before departure. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Cards with them. Personal travel insurance is also recommended. 11

Dates and Prices Summary Sheet Summer 2010 Courses

Duration

Dates

GENERAL ENGLISH COURSES

Tuition Fees* 2 weeks: €520 3 weeks: €750 4 weeks: €980 Each additional week: €230

General English (Standard) 20 hours

Minimum 2 weeks

28 June – 27 August (Start any Monday)

General English (Intensive) 25 hours

Minimum 2 weeks

28 June – 27 August (Start any Monday)

General English and Sailing 20 hours + 12 hours (Sailing)

Minimum 2 weeks

5 July – 16 July 19 July – 30 July 9 August – 20 August

General English (Standard) 20 hours

9 weeks

28 June – 27 August

€1,995

General English (Intensive) 25 hours

9 weeks

28 June – 27 August

€2,478

2 weeks: €635 3 weeks: €922 4 weeks: €1,210 Each additional week: €285 English course fee + €275 (transport costs not included)

Included in Tuition Fees:

•

Tuition from highly qualified &

•

Free textbook and/or

experienced teachers learning materials •

Free access to internet in custom-designed learning

BUSINESS ENGLISH COURSES Business English (Standard) 20 hours

3 weeks

Business English (Intensive) 25 hours

3 weeks

28 June – 16 July 26 July – 13 August 28 June – 16 July 26 July – 13 August

COURSES FOR TEACHERS Introduction to Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) 40 hours

2 weeks

05 July – 16 July 19 July – 30 July 03** Aug - 13 August

Writing Your Way to Better English 40 hours

2 weeks

Introduction to Information and Communication Technology for Language Teachers 40 hours

2 weeks

05 July – 16 July 19 July – 30 July 03** Aug - 13 August

Irish Literature and Culture for Teachers of English 40 hours

2 weeks

05 July – 16 July 19 July – 30 July

19 July – 30 July 03 Aug – 13 August

3 weeks: €750 3 weeks: €922

space •

Free access to the Language Resource Area and library

•

One free full-day excursion

•

Access to many University

€750

facilities (free or at a much reduced cost) including the University Sports Arena

€750 €750

and 50m swimming pool •

University of Limerick Certificate on successful completion of course

€750

COURSES FOR STUDENTS PREPARING FOR ENTRY TO UNIVERSITY 28 June – 20 August

€2,520

Preparation for University (Super-Intensive) Levels 1 and 2 - 28 hours

8 Weeks

Focus on IELTS and English for Academic Purposes (Intensive) 25 hours

9 Weeks

28 June – 27 August

€2,478

English for Academic Purposes & Study Skills (Intensive) 25 hours

3 Weeks

9 August – 27 August

€922

* An administration fee of €80 applies to all courses and is non-refundable. **Because Monday, 2 August 2010 is a public holiday in Ireland, there will be no classes on that day. Courses during that week will commence on Tuesday, 3 August.

University of Limerick Language Centre, Dept. of Languages and Cultural Studies, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland Telephone: +353 61 202777 / +353 61 213563 Facsimile: +353 61 202753 Email: language.centre@ul.ie

w w w. u l . i e / l a n g u a g e c e n t re