AB INITIO 1A GRAMMAR AND STRUCTURES - 2020/1

Module Overview

This is an intensive introduction to a modern foreign language, covering specifically the acquisition of grammar and structures of the target language. It is to be taken together with the Developing Skills module.

Module provider

School of Literature and Languages

Module Leader

MARLEY Dawn (Lit & Langs)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

co-requisite Ab initio Language 1b Developing Skills

Module content

The grammar of the language including grammatical terminology in the language
Collecting and selecting information
Analysis of different written and spoken texts
Structuring spoken and written texts
Taking notes and summarising information from spoken and written texts
Effective use of reference materials (e.g. grammar books, dictionaries, other reference works)
A degree of awareness and use of appropriate register and style

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

NA

Assessment Strategy

Knowledge and understanding of the grammar and structures of the target language;
Ability to analyse and interpret texts;
Ability to select and synthesise information from written and oral texts;
Ability to use IT skills to find and present relevant information;

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• A written assignment, submitted as coursework throughout the semester.
• A final exam of two hours, usually consisting of two of the tasks practised during the semester.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment will focus on student participation and class discussions throughout the module.

Feedback

• Students will be provided with detailed written feedback following coursework assignments.
• Verbal feedback will also occur in class and individual appointments if required.

Module aims

• Enable students with little or no previous knowledge of the language to acquire written, oral and aural skills
• Enable students to develop the structural language foundations needed for further study of the language up to degree level
• Enable students to develop the skills necessary for independent language learning

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

Two contact hours per week over Semester 1.
Classes will be interactive seminars;
Students are expected to read extensively outside classes in order to participate in seminars.

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Enable students to acquire explicit knowledge of the linguistic structures, grammar and stylistic registers through attending classes and reading in the target language;
• Encourage student participation and learner autonomy, through small group classes, reading outside contact hours and participating in seminars;
• Develop ability to use linguists’ tools, such as dictionaries and IT resources;
• Develop research skills, through reading and presenting findings, through informal class presentations and in the assignments;
• Enable students to engage in analytical and evaluative thinking, to analyse and interpret texts and other cultural products, through attending classes and engaging in individual study.
• Develop communication skills through interactions in class.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: LAN1004

Other information

This module may follow a course book. This may vary from year to year, and specific book and cost will be confirmed on a yearly basis.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.