| |
|
 |
|
| Mission |
|
|
| The Department of Languages teaches English skills required to successfully meet the |
| demands of the students’ future working environment, thus contributing towards |
| sustainable national development. |
| |
| Who are we? |
|
|
The Department of Languages consists of 14 lecturers trained in English First/Second/Foreign Language teaching and managed by a Head of Department. We offer the following, namely: |
| 1. |
Service Courses |
| 2. |
Degree Programmes |
| 3. |
Foreign Languages |
| Read more on: Bachelor of English/Literature in English | Service Courses |
| |
| What do we do? |
|
|
| The Department offers the following non-credit bearing Service Courses: |
|
• Language in Practice (1 semester) |
| |
| This course is offered on FM, PM and DI modes. |
| |
| Language in Practice covers all four domains of language learning, namely, writing, reading, speaking and listening. Students are introduced to the basic elements of English grammar, academic reading and writing skills while continuing to develop their vocabulary. Emphasis is on the production of well written basic sentences, paragraphs and essays. The course also includes comprehension exercises and the reading of short stories. Students’ listening skills are honed by way of recorded texts with comprehension activities that include note-taking. They also engage in error analysis and editing tasks. The activities of each unit encourage collaborative learning. |
| |
| • Language in Practice B (1 semester) |
| |
| This course is offered on FM, PM and DI modes. |
| |
| Language in Practice B further develops students’ academic reading and writing skills. Emphasis is on essay writing for different academic purposes, critical reading and summarizing information both in writing and orally. Grammar and vocabulary include reported speech, gerunds and infinitives, word formation, collocations and review of spelling and punctuation rules. |
| |
| Language is acquired through interaction; therefore, students are expected to participate actively in each lecture session. Lecturers will use a variety of techniques and activities to develop students’ language and communication skills including, but not limited to, classroom interaction techniques, group discussions, practice exercises, quizzes and cooperative learning activities. Students are also expected to conduct extensive reading and research as well as complete regular homework assignments. |
| |
| Computer Labs will be used for Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) activities which reinforce material covered in lecture sessions as well as for research. Students are expected to use the labs to complete research and other CALL activities as homework. |
| |
| |
| Bachelor of English/Literature in English | Bachelor of Communication | Service Courses |
| |
| For whom? |
|
|
| Principles of Language Use and Language in Practice A cater for all those students of the Polytechnic who have an insufficient knowledge of English to cope with the demands of the courses they study. These students often come from disadvantaged education situations and have obvious shortcomings in English. They score 40 % or lower in the placement test. |
| |
| Language in Practice B and Communication Skills students have to score above 40 % in the placement test. All students have to pass Communication Skills; Professional Writing and Professional Communication are optional. Those students who wish to acquire the advanced language skills used in the business environment usually choose to add these modules to their courses. |
| |
| Why? |
|
|
| In Principles of Language Use and Language in Practice A the modular system aims at overcoming the great number of failures of the previous system. Now students are equipped with lower intermediate skills, are motivated to use English regularly and with confidence as well as to expand their general knowledge. The critical thinking that is developed is essential for preparing them for employment and to achieve personal goals. |
| |
| In Language in Practice B and Communication Skills, students have to learn to communicate confidently in the official language. The private and public sectors need competent workers; English is crucial in efficient and successful communication. These courses also promote the personal development of the students, aiding them to understand themselves and others. |
| |
| When students are employed, they soon realize that they need to improve their English proficiency and learn the more formal skills. These are offered in Professional Writing and Professional Communication. Students who master the skills required in the business environment are in high demand for employment, and often receive promotion immediately after completing these courses. Professional Writing and Professional Communication aim at developing the student as an employee, or eventually, employer. |
| |
| |
| Announcements and General information |
| |
ITS User Manual |
| |
Language Lab Rules |
| |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| go to the Spanish homepage |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
