Module Outline

Taylors University

Foundation Programme

March 2017, Semester 1

ELG 31305 English 1

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CONTENTS

Introduction

Module Overview

Resources

Assessments

Academic Integrity

Module Calendar

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INTRODUCTION

WELCOME
Welcome to English 1!

English 1 is designed to develop your academic ability in the four fundamental English skills; Reading comprehension,
Listening, Speaking and Writing skills. Critical-thinking and teamwork skills are also crucial to the course, and will be
inculcated through the discussions, practices, and assignments given. All these skills are deemed critical for your
development in preparation for tertiary studies and beyond.

The course is divided into both lectures and tutorials. The lectures will provide you with an overview of the specific skills
and tasks of the course. The tutorial sessions provide more guidance and practice as well as serve as a contact session
with your tutor and course mates. Consultation hours by your respective tutors are provided, so please note down the
specified times to allow you the opportunity for more guidance when needed.

The module objectives, structure, assessments, requirements, timeline and support systems are outlined in this booklet.
Please ensure that you are clear of these aspects so that you can gain the most from this course.

All the best to you!

CONTACT DETAILS

Lecturer
NurLiyana Binti Isa
Room: Block B, Level 1, Room 14 (B1.14)
Email: Nurliyana.Isa@taylors.edu.my
Extension: 5097

Tutor
Nur Ili Syazwani Binti Mohd Azhar
Room: Block C, Level 5, Wing A, Room 37 (C5A.37)
Email: NurIliSyazwani.MohdAzhar@taylors.edu.my
Extension: 5762

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MODULE OVERVIEW

MODULE SYNOPSIS
English I prepares students for pre-university as well as tertiary studies. The course provides instruction and practice in,
and assessment of English language skills and the discipline required for such study.

PRE-REQUISITE(S)/ CO-REQUISITE
None

MODULE OBJECTIVES

1. To enhance students listening skills by giving them exposure to a variety of English accents and settings.
2. To hone students oral skills to address a broad spectrum of audience.
3. To enable students to be critical readers of various academic texts.
4. To enable students to produce a well-written 5-paragraph academic essay and interpret non-linear text.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Listen and speak in various interactive, social, academic situations and extract the main
ideas and supporting details;
2. Deliver effective presentations and discussions on topics related to their field of study as
well as on current topics;
3. Comprehend and interpret reading text; and
4. Organize a well-written 5-paragraph academic essay and interpret non-linear text.

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TAYLORS GRADUATE CAPABILITIES (TGC)
Upon successful completion of this module, a student should be equipped with the following Taylors graduate
capabilities:

Taylor's Graduate Capabilities - Foundation (2012)

Discipline Specific Knowledge
1.0 TGC: Discipline Specific Knowledge
1.1 Solid foundational knowledge in relevant subjects.
1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of study.

* This TGC is further clarified according to the respective program-specific outcomes

Cognitive Capabilities

2.0 TGC: Lifelong learning

2.1 Locate and extract information effectively.
2.2 Relate learned knowledge to everyday life.

3.0 TGC: Thinking and Problem Solving skills

3.1 Learn to think critically and creatively.
3.2 Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions.
Soft Skills

4.0 TGC: Communication Skills

4.1 Communicate appropriately in various settings and modes.

TGC: Interpersonal Skills

5.0
5.1 Understand team dynamics and work with others in a team.

TGC: Intrapersonal Skills

6.1 Manage oneself and be self-reliant.
6.0 6.2 Reflect on ones actions and learning.
6.3 Embody Taylors core values.

TGC: Citizenship and Global Perspectives

7.0 7.1 Be aware of and form opinions from diverse perspectives.
7.2 Understand the value of civic responsibility and community engagement.

TGC: Digital Literacy

8.0 8.1 Effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
and related technologies.

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On completion of this module, students should be able to:

TGCs Acquired
Discipline Specific Knowledge Through Module
Learning Outcomes

1.0 Discipline Specific Knowledge 1,2,3,4

1.1 Solid foundational knowledge in relevant subjects.

1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of study.

Cognitive Capabilities

2.0 Lifelong Learning 1,2,3,4

2.1 Locate and extract information effectively.

2.2 Relate learned knowledge to everyday life.

3.0 Thinking and Problem Solving Skills 3,4

3.1 Learn to think critically and creatively.

3.2 Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions.

Soft Skills

4.0 Communication Skills 1,2

4.1 Communicate appropriately in various setting and modes.

5.0 Interpersonal Skills 1,2

5.1 Understand team dynamics and work with others in a team.

6.0 Intrapersonal Skills 1,2

6.1 Manage one self and be self-reliant.

6.2 Reflect on ones actions and learning.

6.3 Embody Taylor's core values.

7.0 Citizenship and Global Perspectives 1,4

7.1 Be aware and form opinions from diverse perspectives.

7.2 Understand the value of civic responsibility and community engagement.

8.0 Digital Literacy 1,2,3,4

Effective use of information and communication (ICT) and related

8.1 -
technologies.

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MODULE DELIVERY/ TEACHING AND LEARNING ARRANGEMENTS
This module is taught by using a blend of learning methods. Class contact time usually consists of a two-hour lecture
and two hours of tutorials each week. Lectures will usually begin in week 1 and tutorials in week 2.

Content will be delivered in lecture-style sessions. Tutorials will be a discussion between lecturer and students to
strengthen knowledge and solve problem-related questions.

Assessment is based on assignments, term project, presentations, mid-semester exam and final exam. Assignments
will need to be submitted by due dates and rubric is given for each assignment.

More details can be found in Taylors University Student Handbook.

Lecture and tutorial attendance is compulsory.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Students who fail to achieve 80% attendance will be excluded from the final examination.

Module credit hours

5 credit hours

RESOURCES

REFERENCE TEXT
1. Jakeman, V. & McDowell, C. (2008). New Insight into IELTS. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

2. Langan, J. (2008). College Writing Skills with Readings. (7th Ed.)New York: McGraw Hill.

ONLINE SUPPORT
Taylors University provides a learning management system, TIMeS to allow students convenient access to subject
resources. This can be accessed at: http://portals.taylors.edu.my

Materials available include:

Module Outline
Lecture slides
Tutorial and assignment questions
Assignment Cover Sheet
Assignment Feedback Form
Other module information

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ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
Form of assessment Length Weightage Due date Learning TGC Achieved
Outcomes
assessed

Listening Test: TGC 2

10% Week 8
45 minutes 1 TGC 3
(Individual) 10% Week 17

English Term Project (ETP) : 10 weeks

TGC 1
Proposal
5% Week 6 TGC 2
Website
10% Week 13 1 TGC 3
Reflection 500-800 5% 2
Week 13 TGC 6
(Individual) words
4 TGC 7
Exhibition TGC 8
10% Week 15
(Group)

3 TGC 1
Final Exam TGC 2
2 hours 50% 14 25 August 2017 4
TGC 3

ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Deadlines must be strictly adhered to. Please refer to Taylors University Student Handbook for more details on late
submission.

All assignments must use the Assignment cover sheet and assignment feedback form as the first two pages of the
assignment (available from subject website). No extensions will be granted for assignment submissions. If the
assignment is submitted late due to circumstances beyond your control, you are required to complete an Application for
Late Submission of Assessed Work Form (available from the Divisional Office).

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ASSIGNMENTS (50%)

Listening Test* (20%)

The class test assesses students listening skills. The test is divided into four sections of increasing difficulty with a total of
40 questions and takes about 40 minutes. Students will be given exposure to talks, lectures and dialogues after which they
have to answer questions relating to what they have heard.

English Term Project (ETP) (30%)

This project is given a span of about 10 weeks. It comprises two main components: Research and Proposal, and
Presentation (exhibition). Students must work in groups to prepare for this project. Throughout the course of the time spent
on the project, students will be required to work closely with the lecturer for feedback and consultation. Students will find
this project fulfilling as it requires students to use their creativity. The project also incorporates critical thinking and
presentation skills.
As an extension of the ETP, students are required to write a reflective report on their learning experiences obtained
throughout the 10-weeks they spent preparing for the ETP. It assesses their ability to write, apply and reflect on how
the experience impacts their worldview. This is an individual assignment.

RETURN OF ASSIGNMENTS
Marked assignments and a feedback form will be returned to you in not more than three (3) weeks from the date of
submission.

FINAL EXAMINATION* (50%)

The Final examination comprises a closed-book examination.

The closed-book examination (50%) consists of:

Section A: Reading Section (40 marks)

Students are required to answer questions based on TWO reading passages. Questions given may include multiple
choice and open-ended types which assess students ability to identify main ideas, critical assessment of content,
knowledge of vocabulary and phrasal verbs.

Section B: Writing Section (60 marks)

Part 1: Non Linear Text Interpretation (20 marks)
Students are required to answer open-ended questions on ONE non-linear text.

Part 2: Essay Writing (40 marks)

Students will be given a choice of three essays; Compare and Contrast, Cause and Effect and Process. Students are
required to write ONE essay.

* The class tests and final examination take the format of the IELTS examination.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Students are required to sit/attempt the final examination. Failure to do so would result in a
fail grade (F).

REFERRED EXAM
A re-sit examination is only granted if students obtain a marginal pass (D- to D+) in their final examination. For other
pertinent reasons (e.g. death of a family member), a re-sit exam may be granted at the discretion of the school board.

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MODULE REQUIREMENTS

Late Submission Penalty

The School imposes a late submission penalty for work submitted late without a valid reason e.g. a medical certificate.
Any work submitted after the deadline (which may have been extended) shall have the percentage grade assigned to
the work on face value reduced by 10% for the first day and 5% for each subsequent day late. A weekend counts as
one (1) day.
Individual members of staff shall be permitted to grant extensions for assessed work that they have set if they are
satisfied that a student has given good reasons.
Absenteeism at intermediate or final presentation will result in zero mark for that presentation.
The Board of Examiners may overrule any penalty imposed and allow the actual mark achieved to be used if the late
submission was for a good reason.

Attendance, Participation and Submission of Assessment Components

Attendance is compulsory. Any student who arrives late after the first half-hour of class will be considered as absent.
The lectures and tutorials will assist you in expanding your ideas and your assessments. A minimum of 80% attendance
is required to pass the module and/or be eligible for the final examination and/or presentation.
Students will be assessed based on their performance throughout the semester. Students are expected to attend and
participate actively in class. Class participation is an important component of every module.
Students must attempt all assessment components. Failure to attempt assessment components worth 20% or more,
the student would be required to resubmit or resit an assessment component, even though the student has achieved
more than 50% in the overall assessment. Failure to attempt all assessment components, including final exam and final
presentation, will result in failing the module irrespective of the marks earned, even though the student has achieved
more than 50% in the overall assessment.
Students must attempt all assessment components including Portfolio. Failure to attempt assessment
components worth 20% or more, the student would be required to resubmit or resit an assessment component, even
though the student has achieved more than 50% in the overall assessment. Failure to attempt all assessment
components, including final exam and final presentation, will result in failing the module irrespective of the marks
earned, even though the student has achieved more than 50% in the overall assessment.

Plagiarism (Excerpt from Taylors University Student Handbook 2013, page 59)
Plagiarism, which is an attempt to present another persons work as your own by not acknowledging the source, is a
serious case of misconduct which is deemed unacceptable by the University.
"Work" includes written materials such as books, journals and magazine articles or other papers and also includes films
and computer programs. The two most common types of plagiarism are from published materials and other students
works.

1. Published Materials
In general, whenever anything from someone elses work is used, whether it is an idea, an opinion or the results of
a study or review, a standard system of referencing should be used. Examples of plagiarism may include a sentence
or two, or a table or a diagram from a book or an article used without acknowledgement.
Serious cases of plagiarism can be seen in cases where the entire paper presented by the student is copied from
another book, with an addition of only a sentence or two by the student. While the former can be treated as a simple
failure to cite references, the latter is likely to be viewed as cheating in an examination.

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 Though most assignments require the need for reference to other peoples works, in order to avoid plagiarism,
students should keep a detailed record of the sources of ideas and findings and ensure that these sources are clearly
quoted in their assignment. Note that plagiarism also refers to materials obtained from the Internet too.
2. Other Students Work
Circulating relevant articles and discussing ideas before writing an assignment is a common practice. However, with
the exception of group assignments, students should write their own papers. Plagiarising the work of other students
into assignments includes using identical or very similar sentences, paragraphs or sections. When two students
submit papers that are very similar in tone and content, both are likely to be penalised.

Student Participation
Your participation in the module is encouraged. You have the opportunity to participate in the following ways:
Your ideas and questions are welcomed, valued and encouraged.
Your input is sought to understand your perspectives, ideas and needs in planning subject revision.
You have opportunities to give feedback and issues will be addressed in response to that feedback.
Do reflect on your performance in Portfolios.
Student evaluation on your views and experiences about the module are actively sought and used as an integral
part of improvement in teaching and continuous improvement.

Student-centered Learning (SCL)

The module uses the Student-centered Learning (SCL) approach. Utilization of SCL embodies most of the principles
known to improve learning and to encourage students participation. SCL requires students to be active, responsible
participants in their own learning and instructors are to facilitate the learning process. Various teaching and learning
strategies such as experiential learning, problem-based learning, site visits, group discussions, presentations, working
in group and etc. can be employed to facilitate the learning process. In SCL, students are expected to be:
active in their own learning;
self-directed to be responsible to enhance their learning abilities;
able to cultivate skills that are useful in todays workplace;
active knowledge seekers;
active players in a team.

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GRADING SCHEME
The breakdown of grades is as follows:

Grade A A- B+ B B- C+ C

Marks 80-100 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54

Grade
4.00 3.67 3.33 3.00 2.67 2.33 2.00
points

Remark Excellent Very good Good Pass

Grade D+ D D- F WD F(W) IN

Marks 47-49 44-46 40-43 0-39 - 0 -

Grade
1.67 1.33 1.00 0.00 - 0.00 -
points

Remark Marginal Pass Fail Withdrawn Fail Incomplete

Note:

A minimum Grade C is required for a pass in this module. A student who fails a module with Grade D+ and
below will have to re-sit or repeat (whichever appropriate) the module in the following semester.

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MODULE CALENDAR MARCH SEMESTER 2017

Week Date Lecture Tutorial/ Tutorial Preparation Online Assessment /

Engagement Key dates

1 27 31 March
Introduction to the course Briefing : MIB and assignment
brief
Course outline
Textbook and Ice Breaking Activities
resource
Couse Requirements
and Assessment Details

2 3 7 April
Related exercises on note
Listening taking for academic purposes

Listening and note taking

from lectures.

3 10 14 April
Listening: Briefing on ETP
Related listening exercises (English Term
Listening for main ideas Project)
and supporting details
Relating supporting
information to key ideas

E- lecture 1
4 17 21 April
Writing: Workshop on referencing skills

Using academic
referencing conventions,
bibliographic
conventions, and
academic language.

5 24 28 April
Listening Related listening exercises

Listening to continuous
discourse from academic
lectures, talks and
discussions

E- lecture 2
6 1 5 May
1st May, 2017
Speaking: Group discussions on current MOOCs - Labour
topics Day
Threaded
Responding to discussion / forum
Questions Submission of
Requesting ETP proposal
Information, and (5%)
seeking clarification

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7 8 12 May E-lecture 3
10th May, 2017
Speaking: MOOCs
Group discussions on current - Wesak Day
Watching a video
topics
Expressing opinions on how people
on more abstract discuss in a
topics. group.
Supporting & Justifying
Opinions

SEMESTER BREAK 15 19 MAY 2017

8 22 26 May
Speaking: Listening Test 1
Impromptu Presentation
(10%)
Delivering an effective
presentation
Comparing written and
spoken discourse

9 29 May 2
June Related exercises on skimming
Reading:
and scanning
Skimming for general
information and scanning
for particular information

10 5 9 June ETP Project

Reading:
Progress
Related reading exercises
presentation
Understanding and
evaluating arguments (In-class
Distinguishing facts and Consultation)
opinions

E- lecture 4
11 12 16 June
12th June, 2017
Related exercises on reading
Reading: and vocabulary Nuzul Al
Analysing organisational Quran
patterns in texts
Developing vocabulary
(deducing meaning,
guessing contextual
clues, prefixes and
suffixes)
Comparison and
contrast of word
meanings

Writing:
12 19 23 June
Related exercises essay writing:
Understanding the nature Writing and
Essay Structure, Topic
and length of different correcting thesis
Sentence and Thesis Statement
essay patterns (Process statements
& exposition)

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 SEMESTER BREAK (HARI RAYA HOLIDAYS) 26 30 JUNE 2017

Writing: Process
13 3 7 July
Planning an essay Related exercises on Process
Submission of
Developing essays Essay
ETP Website
Using cohesive (10%)
devices and Reflection
(5%)

Writing: Cause and

14 10 14 July Website Presentation
Effect
Related exercises
Planning an essay on Cause and
Developing essays Effect Essay
Using cohesive
devices

15 17 21 July ETP Exhibition

EXHIBITION WEEK Threaded (10%)
discussion
on Cause and
Effect

Writing: Compare and

16 24 28 July
Contrast
Related exercises on Compare
Planning an essay and Contrast Essay
Developing essays
Using cohesive
devices

Listening Test 2
17 31 July 4
(10%)
August
Writing: Related exercises on
interpreting non-linear text.
Interpreting non-linear
text.

18 7 11 August
Re-looking at reading Related exercise/practice
and writing skills

FINAL EXAMINATION

14 25 August 2017

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