General provisions

The course is part of the teacher training programme.

Entry requirements

English B, Civics A

Learning outcomes

The course focuses on practical skills for teachers primary education as well as insights into the teaching of e.g. speech, writing, reading and listening comprehension. Upon completing the course the students will have further developed and enhanced their skills in the use of English in speech and writing, as well as their ability to apply basic knowledge of the English language so that they feel confident in the classroom situation. From a perspective that takes into account the students' future career, the course will also have given insights into contemporary English literature and other cultural expressions and knowledge of current social conditions in English-speaking countries.

The goals for each course component are given below.

Component 1. Language Skills (7.5 HE credits)

Upon completing the component students will

-

have good knowledge of the main areas of English language structure

- be able to apply grammatical rules in guided and free production

- be able to explain some grammatical phenomena that will be included in a future teaching situation

- be able to identify and analyse grammatical structures that differ between English and Swedish and to use these structures

- have knowledge of certain basic terminology discussed in the course

- have knowledge of English pronunciation and intonation patterns

- be able to apply acquired knowledge and skills in preschool and primary school

Component 2. Oral and Written Production (7.5 HE credits)

Upon completing the component students will

- be able to express themselves in formal and informal speech

- be able to demonstrate communicative and linguistic skills

- be able to use different presentation techniques

- be able to organise and lead discussions

- be able to give clear instructions

- be able to read out loud to a class

- have some awareness of students 'and teachers' roles

- be able to demonstrate didactic awareness in discussions of English in the classroom

- be able to express themselves in English with more confidence

- be able to apply acquired knowledge and skills in preschool and primary school

Component 3. Culture and society (7.5 HE credits)

Upon completing the component students will

- have knowledge of some basic aspects of modern social conditions in English-speaking countries with emphasis on the U.S. and the UK

- have knowledge of the multicultural society and the education system in these countries

- be able to explain how knowledge of the different countries can be used in the classroom and how conditions in English-speaking countries can be compared to conditions in Sweden

- be able to account for these skills both orally and in writing in correct English

Component 4. Literature (7.5 HE credits))

Upon completing the component students will

- have the ability to read English texts

- have socio-cultural consciousness

- be able to discuss literary texts both orally and in writing in correct English

- have linguistic awareness

Content

The course consists of four components.

Component 1. Linguistics, 7.5 credits

Component 1 focuses on the language's structure, its grammatical and phonetic structures, but also include vocabulary and word formation.

Component 2. Oral and written production, 7.5 credits

In Component 2, the oral and written communication skills are trained.

Component 3. Culture and society, 7.5 credits

Component 3 deals with the cultural and historical background and the modern society.

Component 4. Literature, 7.5 credits

Component 4 is devoted to literature in English.

Instruction

Component 1. Language Structure (7.5 HE credits)

Grammar: Central elements of English grammar, especially those structures that are usually difficult for Swedish students, are studied. Lectures and group instruction. Pronunciation: Comparison of English and Swedish pronunciation to identify specific difficulties for Swedish students. Review of the key differences between British and American English and exercises in reading phonetic script, assessing students' pronunciation, reading aloud and to putting together simple pronunciation exercises for the classroom. Lectures and group instruction. Vocabulary: Acquisition of a general vocabulary to talk about things that are important to children and adolescents. Group instruction.

All segments make use of teaching materials for schools and information technology tools as a basis for didactic assignments. Practical dictionary use is included.

Component 2. Oral and Written Production (7.5 HE credits)

Compulsory oral and written presentation assignments. Group instruction.

Component 3. Culture and Society (7.5 HE credits)

The course covers various aspects of contemporary social conditions in English-speaking countries with emphasis on the U.S. and UK. The multi-cultural society and the education system in these countries are important parts of the course. It also discusses how the knowledge of the different countries can be used in the classroom and how conditions in the English-speaking countries can be compared to conditions in Sweden. Group instruction.

Component 4. Literature (7.5 HE credits)

The course is devoted to a survey of modern literature in English depicting people and their situation in contemporary society. At the same time, the students' English reading and oral skills are trained. Group instruction.

Didactic elements are included in all components.

Assessment

Examination in the different components is done both orally and in writing and through continuous assessment. Grades used in component 1, 2 and 4 are either Fail, Pass, or Pass with Distinction. Grades used in component 3 are either Fail or Pass.

To receive a grade of Pass with Distinction for the whole course, students must have achieved the grade of Pass with Distinction for at least two of the components.

Students who do not achieve a passing grade on the regular examination will have another opportunity to take the examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination.

Students who fail a certain examination twice have the right upon request, following consultation with the head of department, to have another examiner appointed.

Course level in relation to degree requirements

The course is at level A and is included in the teacher training programme 210/330 credits. The course gives admission to English HS2 or the course English B1 only after some supplementary qualification.

Other regulations

The course cannot be counted toward a degree together with the course Practical English.

Results that are more than five years old are normally not recognised if the syllabus for the course component has been changed.

If the syllabus or course reading for a component has been changed, students have a right to be examined under the original syllabus and course reading on two occasions during the following semester. Normally this right then expires. Otherwise there are no limitations on the number of examination opportunities.

Transitional provisions

For transitional regulations in the case of changes in the syllabus, please contact the student adviser.