Improving your university papers and presentations
23 August - 1 September 2017
This summer school on English for Academic Purposes combined the expertise and experience developed by LINGUAPOLIS, the University of Antwerp’s institute for language and communication, from teaching a wide range of academic modules to diverse target audiences. In this intensive seven-day course, participants will improve two academic English skills. They will learn to write correct, transparent papers by focusing on paper structure, relevant grammar and academic vocabulary. In addition, they will explore typical presentation phrases and techniques that will make their presentations more effective and professional. Besides attending group lessons, participants will receive individual coaching on their own papers and presentations.
Course Description
The summer school is a combination of two modules: Academic Writing and Academic Speaking. The main objective is to improve participants’ academic English speaking and writing skills by giving them the tools to remedy their individual problems.
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In the Academic Writing module, participants are taught how to write correct and transparent papers in English. Besides describing the build-up of a good paper, the course improves participants' use of English by focusing on typical grammatical problems and the use of academic vocabulary and structures. Furthermore, participants receive individual feedback on a number of written assignments, which raises their awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses.
The Academic Writing module covers:
- characteristics of academic writing: general features, academic conventions, approach and tone
- language revision: typical ‘written’ grammar, spelling, academic vocabulary and style
- paper build-up: structure, linking words, signalling expressions and useful phrases
- examples: typical paper design and language use, taken from a range of different fields
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The Academic Speaking module teaches relevant techniques, vocabulary, phrases and grammar so that participants’ English presentations will become more correct, effective and professional. Participants will learn by doing, namely by giving a number of short presentations. Individual feedback and error analyses allow participants to focus on their own particular problems. At the end of the course, the participants will feel more confident when giving presentations in English. The techniques and phrases learnt will also be useful when speaking English during oral exams or when formulating complex answers to questions raised in class, at meetings, conferences, etc.
The Academic Speaking module covers:
- style: English English instead of literal translations, clear and to the point language use
- structure: logical and easy-to-follow presentation of information, use of signposts (linking words and phrases) to structure the talk and guide the audience through the content
- pronunciation training: speaking clear and understandable English, focusing on accent, stress patterns and intonation
- grammar and vocabulary: focus on correct English, typical presentation phrases and vocabulary to discuss visual aids, such as graphs, and to introduce guest speakers or colleagues
- interaction with the audience: giving clear and concise answers, using set phrases to deal with specific problems
- technical guidance: tips and tricks related to using PowerPoint and Prezi (guest speaker)
All the components of Academic Speaking and Writing discussed above will be included in the coursebook, which was developed by Linguapolis on the basis of our experience with similar courses, error analyses of student research papers and course feedback from students who took the course in the past. As a result, the course meets the needs of the target group perfectly.
The theory in the course materials will be taught and practised using relevant examples (academic text extracts). The materials also provide useful reference materials for future use.
During the course, participants will have ample opportunity to practise all components in class and between classes (homework assignments). The summer school emphasises individual coaching by giving participants individual feedback on their own papers and presentations, which allows them to work on their own specific problem areas. It also gives participants the opportunity to focus on projects they are working on at the time of the course. The theory in the coursebook gives participants the information they need to remedy the issues raised in the lecturer’s individual feedback.
Participants
The English for Academic Purposes summer school is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students who would like to improve their use of academic written and spoken English and remedy their individual language problems. As the course focuses on improving participants’ academic writing and speaking skills in English, basic general guidelines on writing a paper will not be provided. Consequently, participants must have completed at least two full years of higher education and have experience of writing papers (in their mother tongue or in any other language) and thus be familiar with the layout and design of an academic paper or essay.
As the course focuses on specific language aspects related to academic English (rather than improving general English language use), participants must have a minimum English proficiency level of B2 (Common European Framework of Reference).
Contact and Study Hours
The summer school consists of 42 contact hours, spread over eight teaching days (23/8-1/9/2017). The teachers will also provide about two hours of individual coaching per student, reading their texts and giving them relevant feedback.
Classes will be held from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. (29 and 30/8: 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.). Participants can have lunch at the student restaurant on campus at a reduced price.
Due to the intensity of the summer school, participants are required to study between lessons, revising the theory taught and completing individual and group assignments. Depending on participants’ previous experience, skill and level of English, each module will require about 15 hours of personal study time.
Assessment, Certificate and Credits
For both course components (Writing and Speaking) participants will be given a final assignment in which they must apply the skills they have learnt. The final assessments will be marked and the scores will be printed on the certificates.
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive 3 ECTS credits. This will be stated on the certificates.
- Register in Mobility Online
- Fill in personal details, upload some documents and complete extra questions on your level of English
- Either scan a certificate proving your level of English or do the Linguapolis online test
- Wait for approval of your application
- Pay the participation fee within 10 days
Applications can be submitted by filling in the online registration form at Mobility Online. After you submit the form, you will receive a notification email acknowledging your application.
In order to qualify for the summer school you need to prove your English proficiency level is B2 or higher (Common European Framework of Reference). You can do that by stating the score you obtained on an official English test (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL) and uploading the certificate to the registration form. If you do not have an official certificate proving your level of English, you will be sent a second email inviting you to do the online English test. This test has to be taken within ten working days.
We will then check the certificate you uploaded or your online test score. If your level of English is sufficient, you will receive an acceptance email with payment information. If you do not meet the English level requirement, you will receive an email stating that you have not been accepted onto the course. Note that your registration is only valid when the participation fee is received by the summer school’s secretariat.
Accepted students will be registered as regular University of Antwerp students and therefore receive a student account and student card which they can use to access the university’s catering facilities and Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, accepted students will be automatically covered the University of Antwerp’s insurance policy.
2017 Registration Fee
| Date | 23 August – 1 September 2017 |
| Location | University of Antwerp |
| Fee | €635 |
| Fee Information | The fee includes lessons and course material, coffee breaks and farewell dinner. It does not include lunch, accommodation or social activities. Participants can have lunch at the student restaurant on campus at a reduced price; they can also participate in the general Antwerp Summer University social programme and they will receive assistance in finding accommodation from the university’s student accommodation office. |
| Requirements | Participants are required to have completed at least two full years of higher education and have experience of writing papers (in their mother tongue). Minimum English proficiency level: B2 (Common European Framework of Reference) |
| Number of Participants | Minimum 10 – Maximum 15 |
| Certificate | Dependent upon participation in the entire course; 3 ECTS points on passing the final assessment |
| Application deadline | 15 June 2017 |
Cancellation by the organisation
The organisation reserves the right to cancel the course due to a lack of interest within two weeks after the deadline of application. Participants should keep this in mind when making travel arrangements; any expenses made other than registration fees will not be reimbursed. Registration fees will be reimbursed as quickly as possible.
Cancellation by the participant
If a participant cancels before 31 May, the registration fee will be reimbursed. No refunds will be made if the participant cancels after 31 May.
All refunds will be made in euros. The organisation cannot refund any differences caused by exchange rate fluctuations or bank fees.
Scholarships
University of Antwerp Students are entitled to a refund of €150/student.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/summer-schools/english-for-academic-purposes/