University of Technology Sydney

59721 Academic English: Communication Fundamentals

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: Initial Teacher Education
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade, no marks

Description

This subject provides an introduction to the nature of effective spoken and written communication in academic contexts. It examines what makes this form of communication different from communication in other contexts and makes its sometimes hidden rules explicit to students. Students study a range of spoken and written academic texts, unpack the features of the texts that make the communication effective, practise using these features, and receive peer and teacher feedback on their academic communicative competence. Students also begin to explore the distinguishing features of communication within their own discipline.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Read critically and identify relevant information in academic texts
b. Locate and evaluate relevant texts to support an academic argument
c. Recognise the generic stages and features of academic texts written and spoken in English
d. Produce written texts appropriate to the register and genres of academic writing
e. Produce spoken texts appropriate to the register and genres of academic speaking

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

As this is a stand-alone subject and not part of a specific degree program, the subject engages with the following Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Attributes:

1. Professional Readiness

2. Critical and Creative Inquiry

3. International and Intercultural Engagement

5. Active Citizenship

6. Effective Communication

Teaching and learning strategies

In this subject, students will engage in a variety of learning activities, including lecture, discussion, pair and group tasks, language exercises, reading and reflection. The lecturer scaffolds the reading of research-based texts and students participate in collaborative pair/group tasks to discuss, analyse, and critique the readings. Students also analyse samples of academic assignments. Based on lecturer input and self-study, students complete weekly tasks to check their learning on key aspects of academic reading, writing and referencing. Formative feedback will be provided on tasks completed in class.

In addition to weekly lectures and learning activities, students will read prescribed texts, locate appropriate academic resources to support written assessment tasks, and write, revise and edit their assignments. Students will access and study a range of academic learning materials available online and on the UTS Library website. They will reflect on their development as learners, and on the ways in which their knowledge from this subject can be applied across a range of academic contexts and in their professional practice.

Content (topics)

The subject consists of three components as follows:

  • Understanding academic culture and academic communication
  • Locating, evaluating, and analysing academic readings
  • Analysing and producing spoken and written academic texts and argumentation

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Annotated bibliography and summary of one journal article

Objective(s):

a, b, c and d

Weight: 30%
Length:

1200 words (not including citations or references)

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Accuracy in identification of resource genres 20 a
Effectiveness of summary and paraphrasing 30 b, c, d
Accuracy of referencing of selected resources 20 d
Appropriateness of written academic style 30 d
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Recorded oral presentation

Objective(s):

b, c and e

Weight: 30%
Length:

5 mins

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Appropriateness of content for selected subject 20 b
Organisation of content 20 c
Appropriateness of spoken style 30 e
Clarity of spoken language 30 e
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Literature review

Objective(s):

b, c and d

Weight: 40%
Length:

2000 words (not including citations or references)

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Appropriateness of selected academic resources 20 b
Effectiveness of thematic synthesis of various authors’ views 30 c
Appropriateness of written academic style 30 d
Accuracy of in-text citations and reference list 20 d
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Required texts

There are no set textbooks for this subject. Weekly readings will be posted on Canvas.