Course Outline

English for Specific Purposes 1 

Spring Semester 2015

Weeks	Course Content	Assessment
1 1-5 Feb	Introduction to English for specific purposes. Course description, content, objectives, outcomes and assessment.	n/a
2 8-12 Feb	Vocabulary expansion exercises. ESP vocabulary. Tasks and assignments. Introduction to e-Textbook ‘’Career Paths: Information Technology’’, by Virginia Evans, Jenny Dooley and Stanley Wright. Express Publishing. Texts: Introduction to computing system. Different computer types. Computing devices.	Informal assessment (self-assessment): General English Test
3 15-19 Feb	Writing a research paper. How to start? Selecting research paper topics. Formulating research questions and research objectives. Learning how to select and organize information. Structure of a research paper. Introduction, body, conclusion, references and appendix. Vocabulary expansion exercises. Texts: Computer accessories and networking. The user interface. Word processing.	Informal assessment
4 22-26 Feb	Understanding the main points from short talks, discussions, and mini-lectures. Listening exercises (ESP). Watching a video lecture. Discussion of the lecture. Texts: Web browsing. Images and graphic design. Databases vs. spreadsheets. Web design vs. web development.	Formal assessment: Academic and Technical Vocabulary Test 1 (20 marks)
5 1-5 March	Using online directories by applying keyword searching to find books and journals. Paraphrasing texts using correct grammar, syntax, full sentences and complete paragraphs. Texts: Desktop publishing. Videoconferencing. E-commerce.	Informal assessment (self-assessment)
6 8-12 March	ESP: reading and research tasks. Presentations (individual topics). Texts: Computer memory. Computer Terms-Processors and Memory. Programming languages.	Formal assessment: Presentations (10 marks)
7 15-19 March	Drafting and revising a research paper. Vocabulary expansion exercises (continued). ESP vocabulary (continued). Tasks and assignments (continued from Week 2). Texts: ISPs and internet access. Storage devices. How to back up your data.	Informal assessment (self-assessment)
8 22-26 March	ESP vocabulary expansion. Participation in discussion to work out and agree solutions to problems related to various topics. Texts: Peripherals. Digital media players. Text messaging - a new form of communication.	Informal assessment (self-assessment)
29 March-2 April	No classes. Recess for Staff and Students
5-9 April	No classes. Recess for Students / PD for Staff
9 12-19 April	Paraphrasing texts: using correct grammar, syntax, full sentences and complete paragraphs; using transitions and other cohesive devices to link ideas effectively within and between paragraphs. Texts: GPS systems. Online banking. Education and research. Robotics. Electronic publishing. Artificial intelligence.	Informal assessment (self-assessment)
10 19-23 April	ESP reading and research tasks. Revising, editing and proofreading a research paper. Texts: Macs® and PCs. Connecting to clients and employees. Telecommuting. Hackers and viruses. Identity theft. Preventive measures. Anti-virus software.	Informal assessment (self-assessment)
11 26-30 April	Give oral briefings on technical topics. Texts: Cloud computing. Improving health. Creative design.	Informal assessment (self-assessment)
12 3-7 May	Understanding pie charts, table charts and graphs. Using vocabulary and phrases to describe graphs, table charts and pie charts during presentations and meetings. Texts: System administration. Programming.	Informal assessment (self-assessment)
13 10-14 May	Write brief descriptions of graphs and charts, summaries of discussion, and short texts in technical English.  Locate information on selected topics. Transfer key information to diagrams, charts or notes. Discuss your review in class: http://espskills.blogspot.ae/2015/05/task-instructions.html	Research paper presentation.
14 17-21 May	References. APA style. Appendix.	Research paper presentation
15 24-28 May	Revising, editing and proofreading a research paper.
16 31 May-4 June	Last day of classes. Revision of the course materials. Preparation for the final assessment.	Submit final version of research paper
17 7-11 June	Assessment week. Final Assessment day – 11 June	Final Assessment (30%)
18 14-18 June	Ramadan starts on Thursday, 18 June.