Page Navigation

Module Descriptors

This page displays the selected Module Descriptor.

Printer friendly version Printer friendly version

Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 09/03/2022 15:04:43

Title of Module: Cultural Studies for Learners of English 1

Code: LING09006 SCQF Level: 9
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
Credit Points: 20 ECTS: 10
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Education & Social Sciences
Module Co-ordinator:S  Brown

Summary of Module

This module, delivered in a blended format, is designed for learners with a post-intermediate level of general English who would like to widen their knowledge, and understand the cultures in which the English language is used. It is a core module for students studying for a degree in English as a Second Language but may also be taken as an optional module by EU/International students whose first language is not English, and whose level of English is appropriate. In this intensive module the students will be introduced to the cultures of the English-speaking world while extending their English language skills in a range of contexts such as TV, Literature, Lifestyles and Education.

Throughout the course, knowledge and understanding of the cultural aspects of the English language will be developed while students’ ability to express complex concepts in English competently and confidently will enhance their autonomy and initiative as learners. An understanding of the cultures of the English-speaking world, as well as further acquisition of its language, will be developed through presentations, role plays, pair and group work exercises, other interactive activities as well as practical and written assignments whose content will include topical cultural issues; in addition, work-related and workplace opportunities will be explored, where appropriate, to enable learners to develop global citizenship skills, foster inclusivity and an appreciation of the wellbeing of others in order to enable them to be ready for work in local and global contexts.


Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
check markcheck mark

Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:
check mark

 

 

 

 

check mark

 

Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1check markTerm 2check markTerm 3check mark

[Top of Page]


Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Prepare and deliver a short formal presentation on aspects of culture, and respond to subsequent discussion critically

L2. Respond critically to detailed written or spoken information pertaining to the cultures and English language

L3. Write in English about aspects of the course content using reasonably accurate, wide-ranging and effective grammar and vocabulary appropriate to this level

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 9.


Understanding complex aspects of the culture and society of English-speaking countries. Demonstrating detailed understanding of grammatical, lexical and phonological features of the language.

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 9.


Engaging in oral discussion of complex aspects of the culture and society of English-speaking countries. Applying knowledge of grammar and language features to demonstrate competence in receptive and productive skills. Understanding written, spoken and multimedia texts intended for native speakers.

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 9.


Extracting, appraising and analysing key information to show understanding of, and critically assess, spoken and written sources. Structuring concepts and ideas to produce effective written papers and oral presentations.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 9.


Making effective and consistent use of library resources, electronic media, VLE to inform and organise studying and using ICT applications for oral presentations. Displaying confident and accurate oral presentation skills in relation to specific tasks.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 9.


Demonstrating effective study techniques and organisational skills to develop knowledge and complete papers, presentations and projects within deadlines. Working cooperatively and accountably with other learners inside and outside class. Exercising autonomy and initiative in learning.

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
Module Title:
Other:CEFR B2 or equivalent
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

[Top of Page]


Learning and Teaching
This module is delivered in a blended format via interactive and communicative classes. Students will be active participants in class and will work in pairs and /or groups to discuss, analyse and assess course material. Independent learning is an integral part of this course and students will be given written and oral tasks to be completed outside class in preparation for, and consolidation of, classroom work. Students will develop critical thinking and research skills to enhance their current studies and future careers.
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Lecture/Core Content Delivery36
Independent Study104
Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity30
Asynchronous Class Activity30
200 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

Oxford Advanced Learners’ English Dictionary , Oxford, Oxford University Press
(or equivalent)

In-house authentic learning materials to be made available on Moodle and in class*

E-learning materials valid at time of delivery *

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:
All fulltime students (part-time and distant learning students should check with their programme leader for any queries) are required to attend all scheduled classes and participate with all delivered elements of the module as part of their engagement with their programme of study. Consideration will be given to students who have protection under the appropriate equality law. Please refer to UWS Regulations, Chapter 1, 1.64 – 1.67, available at the following link: http://www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/rights-and-regulations/regulatory-framework/

[Top of Page]


Supplemental Information

Programme BoardEducation
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) No
Subject PanelLanguages
Moderatortbc
External ExaminerB Matthews
Accreditation Details
Version Number

1.07

[Top of Page]


Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Formative assessment is central to the delivery of this module. This is primarily developmental and is designed to give feedback to students on their receptive and productive language skills, as well as their developing understanding of culture, and how they can be improved. The lecturer will give formative feedback in the preparation, and development of all aspects of the assessment.

There are two formal components:
Summative assessment 1 -
Coursework (60%) will consist of a practical assignment comprising preparation of a short presentation and follow-up discussion and notes.

Summative assessment 2 –
Project(40%) which will assess the knowledge and understanding of aspects of cultures of the English-speaking world developed and acquired throughout the course.
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Presentationcheck mark  600.5

Component 2
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Portfolio of written work check markcheck mark400
Combined Total For All Components100% 0.5 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

[Top of Page]

Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
Aligned with the overall commitment to equality and diversity stated in the Programme Specifications, the module supports equality of opportunity for students from all backgrounds and with different learning needs. Using Moodle, learning materials will be presented electronically in formats that allow flexible access and manipulation of content (part-time and distant learning students should check with their programme leader for any queries). The module complies with University regulations and guidance on inclusive learning and teaching practice. Specialist assistive equipment, support provision and adjustment to assessment practice will be made in accordance with UWS policy and regulations. The University’s Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Policy can be accessed at the following link: http://www.uws.ac.uk/equality/

Our partners are fully committed to the principles and practice of inclusiveness and our modules are designed to be accessible to all. Where this module is delivered overseas, local equivalent support for students and appropriate legislation applies.

UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.