Duration
45h Th
Number of credits
| Bachelor in political sciences : general | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
All year long, with partial in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
CEFRL level of the course : B2 for production and B2-C1 for reception
The objectives for this course are:
- for the receptive skills, information extraction and the understanding of ideas and points of view expressed in anglophone written or spoken texts linked to the field of expertise.
- for the productive skills, critically analysing and summarising texts in English, formulating an informed opinion and giving an oral presentation.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
By the end of the cours, the student will be able to:
Reception
obtain information, ideas and opinions from specialized sources within his/her field (in English).
identify the structure of a text written in English and the functional value of its paragraphs and sentences ( development, exemplification, counter-argument, ...). This includes the ability to identify main points and supporting ideas.
recognize when a text provides factual information and when it seeks to convince readers of something (can identify the use of subjective language).
understand written or spoken texts in English concerned with contemporary problems in which the writer(s) adopt(s) particular stances or viewpoints, whether these are stated or implied. This includes identifying the author's thesis.
Production
produce a B2-level text in English that summarizes and/or paraphrases the significant points and relevant salient issues of a given text or body of texts written or spoken in English.
produce a B2-level text in English that critically assesses a given text or body of texts written or spoken in English.
give a clear, systematically developed presentation in English, with highlighting of significant points, relevant elements, expressing her/him-self clearly without giving the impression he/she is restricting what he/she wishes to say.
handle (in English) with ease and spontaneously questions asked by members of the audience of a presentation.
develop and express in writing or orally a clear argument, with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant elements, for example to question a thesis or an opinion.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Students should be independent users of English (B1+).
They should master the knowledge and skills taught in LANG8030 and LANG8032-2. Access to the LANG9905 courses is possible only if the student has validated LANG8030 and achieved a mark of at least 8/20 for LANG8032-2.
Systematic basic errors (subject-verb agreement, word order, basic syntax,...) in assignments will result in a failing mark.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
- Reading, watching and/or listening to documents in English linked to several contemporary issues.
- Reading the book Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations by Amy Chua (Penguin Press, 2018)
- Reading another book (chosen collectively)
- In-class discussions.
- Linguistic consolidation exercises and/or preparatory homework.
- Writng several texts during the year.
- Oral presentations in class.
- Delivering on time a written report ( summary + critical analysis of a text).
- In-class tests.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
2 hours every week, active participation is required.
Weekly preparation (home)work is expected.
Recommended or required readings
- English Grammar in use 4th (or 5th) edition, Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press)
- Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations by Amy Chua (Penguin Press, 2018 or Bloomsbury Publising, 2019)
- The other book (chosen collectively)
Lecture notes and other useful documents will be available on eCampus, or sent by email.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions ) AND oral exam
Written work / report
Continuous assessment
Out-of-session test(s)
Additional information:
Class attendance and active participation are mandatory to pass the course.
The final mark is composed of work done during the year and an exam mark.
During the year/ in class (=45%)
- A percentage of the final mark is associated with class participation, research work and handing-in requested homework.
- Two listening comprehension and note-taking tests will be organised(Q1 and Q2)
- An oral presentation (Q2).
- Handing a written report on time.
Exams(=55%)
The January exam tests linguistic knowledge and written receptive skills.
The May/June exam tests linguistic knowledge, receptive and productive skills.
The June oral exam is a discussion about and around the book Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations, the other book, and the themes discussed in class.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
The two-hour lessons are held weekly for the whole academic year. Attendance and active participation are essential and mandatory. Students who have trouble attending are requested to contact the teacher personally.
Contacts
Martin Polson (chargé d'enseignement ISLV-ULiège) mpolson@uliege.be
Please insert "LANG9905" in the subject line of your email.