English for Academic Purposes: Text Study

On completion of the course students should be able to:

• explain the content of various types of non-fiction, academic and scientific texts, literary works, and films in English at the level expected for English-medium university studies
• demonstrate an understanding and awareness of different linguistic registers
• demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate texts and their intended function and reliability
• demonstrate the ability to communicate, using spoken and written English, their own interpretation of texts.

In the course a number of academic, non-fiction and fiction texts and films originally written in English are studied. In addition, important textual and analytical concepts and terms are introduced. In this way the students develop their ability to approach and discuss different texts critically and analytically in English.
The course consists of several modules:

1. Introduction to Non-Fiction, 1.5 Credits
Several different types of non-fiction texts, such as newspapers and government documents, are discussed and compared. Students learn how to read the texts in a critical way and consider concepts such as the author’s degree of objectivity and use of register.

2. Short Fiction, 1.5 Credits
Students are introduced to the basic elements of fiction and explore these through reading, discussing and writing about poetry, short stories, films and children’s books.

3. Scientific and Academic Writing, 1.5 Credits
Students are introduced to academic and scientific texts from several different subject areas. Attention is drawn to the structures and signal phrases commonly used in such texts.

4. The Novel, 1.5 Credits
Students continue to explore the elements of fiction (introduced in module 2) by reading, discussing and writing about a short novel.

5. Critical Reading and Written and Oral Analysis, 1.5 Credits
Students build on and demonstrate the concepts learned in modules 1-4 to present their analyses of several different texts in writing and in oral presentations.

Obligatory seminars including group discussion, lectures and self-study. All teaching is conducted in English.

The Swedish grades U–VG.

To earn a VG for the course, the student must earn a VG in module 5 and least two other modules.

Reporting of grades:
Module 1: Introduction to Non-Fiction - 1.5 cr
Module 2: Short Fiction - 1.5 cr
Module 3: Scientific and Academic Writing - 1.5 cr
Module 4: The Novel - 1.5 cr
Module 5: Critical Reading and Written and Oral Analysis - 1.5 cr