Communication in English for Exchange Students

Aim

The aim of the course is to develop the ability of exchange students to communicate successfully in English with an emphasis on the spoken word. Through listening activities, discussions and a systematic revision of basic grammar, the student will acquire the confidence and skills necessary to participate fully in University life and studies in Linköping. After the course, the student shall be able to:

• understand the major points in a lecture or discussion in English
• extract and summarise the most important elements of a lecture or discussion
• actively participate in group discussions
• select an appropriate register for the communicative activity at hand
• structure and present information in an appropriate manner
• develop an argument or opinion
• critically evaluate their own spoken language and be able to take remedial action

Content

The discussions will be based on input of a mainly spoken nature (videos, short lectures etc.) although some written material will be used. There will be a systematic review of the basic grammar of English and discussions will also be built around this to practise and reinforce the grammar points which have been taken up. Towards the end of the course, students will be required to take part in a formal debate and to then analyse their own and their class-mates´ performance.