James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

LS0331 - English for Academic Purposes Level 3a

Subject Description

EAP 3a aims to help students acquire relevant academic English language skills in preparation for an Australian tertiary education at JCU. The level is aligned to English language learning industry benchmarks: The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) at low to mid B2 and with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at band 5.5-6.0. EAP 3 is academically oriented and covers the macro skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking whilst also developing key 21st century and academic skills such as critical thinking, research, collaboration, digital literacy, time management and reflection. On successful completion of EAP 3a students will have acquired the theoretical and practical English linguistic, thinking and academic knowledge and skills, relevant for tertiary education

Learning Outcomes

• Listening Skills: L1. Can understand complex or abstract information and/or explicit and implicit arguments in clearly structured and/or topically familiar academic listening genres L2. Can use a range of listening strategies to listen effectively and meaningfully process listening texts
• Speaking Skills: S1. Can deliver a clear, well-organised presentation on a complex subject involving some research; can respond to questions with a degree of fluency and spontaneity S2. Can actively participate in complex and/or abstract routine and non-routine interactions with a degree of fluency; can use a range of discourse strategies with a degree of fluency and spontaneity S3. Can speak with overall clear pronunciation and employ prosodic features without too much impact on intelligibility
• Reading Skills: R1. Can understand complex information and/or explicit and implicit arguments on a wide range of common topics R2. Can use a range of reading strategies to read effectively and meaningfully process reading texts
• Writing Skills: W1. Can take a well-reasoned and researched approach to writing academically W2. Can paraphrase, summarise and/or synthesise information from sources on familiar topics into own work W3. Can demonstrate a clear understanding of referencing standards and plagiarism
• Language Skills: LG1. Can use a range of structures with a high degree of grammatical control, particularly with less complex structures; can meaningfully self and peer correct without much misunderstanding LG2. Can speak or write using a limited number of cohesive devices to create coherent discourse though complete coherence and flow may not be present LG3. Can produce complex vocabulary with enough flexibility and accuracy to avoid confusion, particularly when speaking and writing on familiar topics
• Academic Skills: AS1. Can critically evaluate familiar discourse for quality, logic, reliability and relevance of its ideas and information; can analyse situations or problems AS2. Can independently reflect on learning and work toward making improvements AS3. Can use a range of discourse and collaboration strategies to play their part in group work AS4. Can use some research strategies and platforms to locate, evaluate and select materials relevant to research needs AS5. Can use digital technology for English language learning and cooperation

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > Quizzes or tests - (70%)
• Speaking and writing short tasks - (30%)

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities