COURSE SYLLABUS
Pathway Semester for International Students, 30 credits
Pathway Semester for International Students, 30 högskolepoäng
Course Syllabus for students Spring 2020
Course Code: PSIG17
Confirmed by: Utbildningsrådet Sep 30, 2017
Revised by: Utbildningsrådet Dec 13, 2018
Valid From: Jan 14, 2019
Version: 5
Education Cycle: First-cycle level
Disciplinary domain: The humanities (90%) and social sciences (10%)
Subject group: EN1
Specialised in: G1N

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

On successful completion of the Pathway Semester course students will:

Knowledge and understanding

1. Understand the main content and essential details of English spoken at a relatively rapid pace, and in written English of various genres, and in more formal contexts.
2. Know general principles of academic writing and formal composition.
3. Know how to plan and deliver a formal presentation in English using rhetorical principles.
4. Know how to apply and use a range of academic study techniques and language strategies.
5. Know how to communicate in Swedish on a basic level.
6. Have basic knowledge of Swedish grammar and vocabulary.
7. Understand and make themselves understood in situations occuring in daily life in Sweden based on their knowledge of Swedish society and culture.

Skills and abilities

8. In oral and written production and interaction in English students will demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information accurately and clearly with some adaptation to purpose, recipient and situation.
9. Carry out effective research based on different research methods, using a range of sources, and critically assess and evaluate these.
10. Participate actively in classroom activities and be able to perform a range of task both individually and in a group setting.
11. Show basic skills to speak, write and understand spoken and written Swedish.
12. Participate in basic oral and written conversations in Swedish about familiar subjects.
13. Show an awareness of basic grammatical concepts in Swedish.
14. Be familiar with different aspects of Swedish society and culture.

Judgement and approach

The Intended Learning Outcomes concerning judgement and approach permeate and underscore the teaching methodology of the entire course, and are not specific to any sub-course or exam.
- Self and peer reflection on the development of skills and abilities.
- Critical evaluation of relevant information related to the different parts of the course.

Contents

The Pathway Semester course is a preparatory course for students who do not meet the level of required English proficiency for university studies in Sweden.

The horizontal aim is to develop and strengthen student skills within higher education through group work, social engagement, peer learning, reflective learning and autonomous learning whilst developing intercultural communication skills, metacognitive skills, information literacy and critical thinking.

The purpose of the course is to provide English language preparation in reading, writing, listening and speaking corresponding to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6.

The purpose is also to prepare students for Higher Education in Sweden by giving support in adjusting to the demands, challenges and expectations of Swedish Higher Education as well as learning the Swedish language. The course will also provide knowledge of Swedish culture, and society in preparation for studies and life in Sweden.

The course consists of three sub-courses; Preparatory English 2, Swedish 1 and Life and Studies 1.

Preparatory English 2, 20,0 credits

The course consists of lectures, seminars and group activities in various fields of academic English and has been designed specifically to meet the needs of non-native English speakers who wish to develop their English language competencies and be able to communicate effectively in an academic environment. In addition to the development of the four main areas of language (reading, writing, speaking and listening), there is also a strong focus on academic skills including research ethics, critical thinking, academic writing and presentations. English will be taught in an international context with a strong focus on active participation and group discussion. Students will be given opportunities to share their own experiences and in turn gain a deeper knowledge of living conditions, social issues and cultural features in different parts of the world.
Course content and objectives include:
• Applied grammar (individualised)
• Vocabulary building - academic language. Both general and subject specific.
• Academic reading
• Listening comprehension
• Academic writing - summary writing, research papers, essays
• Language strategies
• Oral proficiency - presentation, group discussion and debating skills, pronunciation
• Introduction to rhetoric - the art of persuasive speaking and writing
• Novel study & literary analysis

Swedish 1, 7,5 credits

The Swedish language will be taught aiming to give students basic Swedish language skills. This will better equip students to interact with and understand their new surroundings. The weekly language sessions contain grammar lectures, text reading, listening and reading comprehension, vocabulary and pronunciation. Written and oral exercises are given as part of the course. The mentoring session’s aims to help monitoring and supporting the progress.
Course content and objectives include:
• Spoken communication such as exercises on oral conversations and presentations.
• Swedish pronunciation and prosody
• Reading and listening comprehension
• Simple texts and conversations focusing on everyday phrases
• Basic Swedish grammar and vocabulary

Life and Studies 1, 2,5 credits

The Life and Studies course aims to enable familiarity with Sweden. You will study and explore different aspects of Sweden such as politics, history, religion, governmental structure and traditions.
Course content and objectives include:
• Lectures (in English) on Swedish society and culture
• Compulsory Study visits

Type of instruction

Lectures, seminars, group discussions, study visits as well as mentoring sessions.
Active participation required in seminars, group discussions and mentoring sessions is compulsory in order to meet the requirements of the course.

The teaching is conducted in English.

Prerequisites

High School Diploma and English language skills corresponding to:
English 5/IELTS 5.5 (no part below 5.0) or equivalent,
Internet based TOEFL test 72, written test 17 or equivalent
Paper based TOEFL 530, written test 4 or equivalent

Examination and grades

The course is graded Fail (U) or Pass (G).

The examination consists of written and oral assignments. Active participation throughout the course is required.

Registration of examination for the sub-course 'Preparatory English 2':
Name of the TestValueGrading
Eng2 Paper16 creditsU/G
Eng2 First oral exam22 creditsU/G
Eng2 Second oral exam32 creditsU/G
Eng2 Essay and speech45 creditsU/G
Eng2 Literature project55 creditsU/G
1 ILO1; ILO2; ILO4; ILO8; ILO9
2 ILO3; ILO8; ILO10
3 ILO1; ILO3; ILO4; ILO8; ILO10
4 ILO1; ILO2; ILO3; ILO4; ILO8; ILO9; ILO10
5 ILO1; ILO2; ILO4; ILO8

Registration of examination for the sub-course 'Swedish 1':
Name of the TestValueGrading
Swe1 First oral exam11 creditU/G
Swe1 Second oral exam11.5 creditsU/G
Swe1 First written exam22 creditsU/G
Swe1 Second written exam23 creditsU/G
1 ILO5; ILO6; ILO11; ILO12; ILO13
2 ILO6; ILO11; ILO12; ILO13

Registration of examination for the sub-course 'Life and Studies 1':
Name of the TestValueGrading
Life1 Examination12.5 creditsU/G
1 ILO7; ILO14

Other information

Qualification Requirements
To obtain the course certificate the student shall complete the course requirements of 30 credits. Active participation required in seminars, group discussions and mentoring sessions is compulsory in order to meet the requirements of the course.

Title of Qualification
The course gives you a Course Certificate demonstrating skills equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 (English language requirement for degree programmes at Jönköping University).

Course literature

All reference books and work books are provided on an individual and whole class basis.
Bespoke teaching materials, articles, a contemporary novel, other fiction and handouts for English, Swedish and Life and Studies in will be distributed by the class teacher or lecturer.