Academic English Course Syllabus (120 Hours)
Course Overview:
This 120-hour course prepares learners for academic study in English-speaking universities or programs. Using a skills-based approach aligned with CEFR B2 level, the course develops critical academic competencies: listening to lectures, participating in seminars, academic reading, and writing research-based papers.
Overall Course Objectives (Academic Can-Do Statements):
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Understand extended lectures and complex lines of argument in their field of study.
- Participate effectively in seminars and tutorials by expressing opinions, agreeing/disagreeing, and building on others’ ideas.
- Critically read and evaluate academic texts, identifying arguments, evidence, and bias.
- Produce well-structured academic texts (essays, reports, summaries) with appropriate citation and academic style.
- Deliver clear, structured academic presentations using visual aids effectively.
MODULE 1: Foundations of Academic Communication (40 hours)
Unit 1: Academic Culture & Expectations (8 hrs)
- Focus: Differences between general and academic English, understanding plagiarism, academic integrity, and university terminology.
- Skills: Recognizing formal vs. informal language, understanding syllabus and assignment briefs.
- Task: Analyze a university course syllabus and identify key requirements.
Unit 2: Academic Listening & Note-taking (10 hrs)
- Focus: Understanding lecture structure (signposting language), identifying main ideas vs. examples, developing effective note-taking systems (Cornell, outlining).
- Skills: Listening for key information, using abbreviations and symbols, organizing notes.
- Task: Listen to mini-lectures and produce structured notes.
Unit 3: Academic Reading Strategies (10 hrs)
- Focus: Skimming for gist, scanning for specific information, critical reading (identifying author’s stance, evaluating evidence).
- Skills: Understanding text structure (argumentative, comparative), dealing with unknown vocabulary through context.
- Task: Annotate and summarize academic abstracts.
Unit 4: Seminar & Discussion Skills (12 hrs)
- Focus: Functional language for discussions: expressing opinions, agreeing/disagreeing politely, interrupting, asking for clarification.
- Skills: Participating in group discussions, building on others’ points, managing conversation flow.
- Task: Lead and participate in a recorded seminar discussion on an academic topic.
MODULE 2: Academic Writing & Research (40 hours)
Unit 5: The Academic Essay Structure (10 hrs)
- Focus: Components of a strong essay (introduction with thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences, conclusion). Different essay types (argumentative, analytical, comparative).
- Skills: Developing a clear thesis, creating logical paragraph structure, using cohesive devices.
- Task: Write a 5-paragraph argumentative essay.
Unit 6: Academic Style & Formality (8 hrs)
- Focus: Features of academic style (impersonal language, cautious hedging, nominalisation). Avoiding informal language, contractions, and emotional language.
- Skills: Rewriting informal sentences in academic style, using appropriate vocabulary.
- Task: Revise an informally written text into an academic paragraph.
Unit 7: Using Sources & Avoiding Plagiarism (10 hrs)
- Focus: Introduction to citation styles (APA/MLA), paraphrasing, summarising, and direct quoting. Integrating sources into writing.
- Skills: Paraphrasing without changing meaning, creating in-text citations, building a reference list.
- Task: Produce a short literature review using 3-4 provided sources with correct citation.
Unit 8: Research & Report Writing (12 hrs)
- Focus: Structure of academic reports (abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion). Describing data and trends.
- Skills: Synthesizing information from multiple sources, presenting findings objectively.
- Task: Write a short research report based on provided data and sources.
MODULE 3: Advanced Skills & Integration (40 hours)
Unit 9: Academic Presentations (10 hrs)
- Focus: Structuring a presentation (hook, outline, content, conclusion), using visual aids effectively, handling Q&A sessions.
- Skills: Delivering clear, confident presentations, using signposting language, engaging an audience.
- Task: Prepare and deliver a 10-minute academic presentation on a chosen topic.
Unit 10: Critical Thinking & Argumentation (10 hrs)
- Focus: Evaluating arguments, identifying logical fallacies, constructing counter-arguments, synthesizing multiple perspectives.
- Skills: Critical analysis of texts, developing balanced arguments, supporting claims with evidence.
- Task: Write a critical analysis of a journal article, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses.
Unit 11: Advanced Grammar for Academic Writing (8 hrs)
- Focus: Complex sentence structures (nominal clauses, participle phrases), accurate use of tense in academic writing, advanced cohesion devices.
- Skills: Writing with grammatical complexity and precision, improving sentence variety.
- Task: Revise a text to incorporate more sophisticated grammatical structures.
Unit 12: Capstone Project & Exam Preparation (12 hrs)
- Focus: Integration of all skills in a final project. Optional: exam skills for IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.
- Task: Complete a capstone project involving research, a written paper, and an oral presentation. Mock exam practice for those preparing for standardized tests.
Assessment & Alignment:
- Continuous: Reading responses, writing drafts, discussion participation, vocabulary journals.
- Module-End: Integrated tasks (e.g., listen to lecture, read related text, write summary).
- Final: Capstone project assessed on research, writing, and presentation components.
- Framework: Based on CEFR academic can-do descriptors and aligned with the Cambridge Academic English framework.
Recommended Resources:
- Cambridge Academic English (CUP series)
- Oxford EAP (Oxford University Press)
- Academic Vocabulary in Use (Cambridge)
- IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT preparation materials (for relevant units)
This syllabus provides a comprehensive pathway for learners to develop the specific English skills required for success in higher education.
Audiencia objetivo
- this course is for goal-oriented learners whose immediate future involves listening to lectures, writing essays, reading journals, and presenting ideas in an English-speaking academic community. It is tailored for those who need to move beyond conversational English to master the specific language of academia.
Caracteristicas
- 120-Hour Structured Curriculum: Three progressive modules take you from foundation to advanced academic proficiency. University-Focused Skills: Master lecture note-taking, seminar discussion, academic writing, research citation, and presentation delivery. CEFR B2 Aligned: Ensures your skills meet international standards for academic study. Practical Application: All learning is applied through essays, research reports, mock seminars, and presentations. Capstone Project: Integrate all skills in a final research and presentation task. Built on Expert Frameworks: Designed following Cambridge Academic English principles.
Requisitos
- Course Requirements To ensure you are prepared to succeed in this ESP Academic English course, please review the following requirements: Language Proficiency A solid B1 level of English (CEFR) or higher. This is typically equivalent to: A Cambridge PET certificate. An IELTS score of 4.0 - 5.0. A TOEFL iBT score of 57 - 86. You should be comfortable with everyday written and spoken English before tackling academic conventions. Technical Requirements A reliable computer or tablet with a stable high-speed internet connection. A functional microphone and webcam for interactive speaking tasks, seminars, and presentations. Word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) for writing assignments. Basic digital literacy to navigate online learning platforms, download/upload files, and participate in video calls. Materials & Resources All core learning materials (digital handouts, lecture audio, article links) will be provided. Recommended but optional textbooks for extended practice will be suggested (e.g., Cambridge Academic English). Access to a university or online library (like Google Scholar) is recommended for the research and capstone modules. Time Commitment The course is designed for 120 hours of total engagement As a self-paced online course, you should dedicate a consistent 5-7 hours per week to complete it in a standard 20-24 week term. This time includes watching lessons, completing interactive exercises, reading, writing assignments, and participating in discussion forums or live tutorial sessions. ### **Learner Mindset & Skills** * **Self-Discipline:** As a primarily self-guided course, you must be able to manage your time and motivate yourself to complete weekly tasks. * **Academic Curiosity:** A willingness to engage with complex topics, read challenging texts, and develop critical thinking skills is essential. * **Active Participation:** The course is built on practice. Success depends on actively completing all writing tasks, speaking exercises, and peer feedback activities. **Ready to begin your academic journey?** Ensure you meet these requirements to make the most of this comprehensive preparation for university-level English.
FAQ
A: This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are preparing for or currently enrolled in university-level studies where English is the medium of instruction.
A: You should have at least a solid B1 level (Intermediate) on the CEFR scale. This is equivalent to a Cambridge PET qualification or an IELTS score of 4.0-5.0.
A: The course is divided into three 40-hour modules:
Foundations of Academic Communication
Academic Writing & Research
Advanced Skills & Integration
A: The online format is primarily self-paced, allowing you to complete interactive lessons and assignments on your schedule. Instructor feedback and live tutorial sessions may be offered depending on the enrollment option.
A: You will be assessed through a combination of module quizzes, practical writing tasks (essays, reports), speaking exercises (recorded discussions), and a final capstone project that integrates all skills.
A: You need a reliable computer with internet access, a word processor (e.g., MS Word, Google Docs), and a microphone/webcam for speaking tasks and presentations.
A: While the course develops the core academic skills tested in IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT, it is not a direct test-prep course. It provides a stronger, more comprehensive foundation that will significantly aid in test preparation.
A: All essential materials are provided digitally. Supplementary textbooks are recommended for further practice but are not mandatory.
A: Yes, a certificate of completion will be awarded to participants who successfully finish all course modules and assessments.
A: This is an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course. It focuses exclusively on the language, skills, and conventions needed for academic success—such as lecture comprehension, seminar debate, academic writing style, and research citation—rather than on everyday general communication.
From $75.00$65.00 per calender month
Reseña destacada
This is not just another English course; it is a targeted, skills-based training program that equips learners with the specific linguistic and cognitive tools required for academic success. It demystifies academic conventions and provides ample practice in the core skills of listening, discussion, reading, and writing at a high level. For any prospective university student, this course offers a thorough and strategic preparation that is well worth the investment.
Highly recommended for: Pre-university students, international students, and any learner seeking to develop rigorous, formal academic English competencies.
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