Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to:

  1. Familiarize students with the sound patterns and structure of the English language.
  2. Enhance students' understanding of word formation processes, grammar, and sentence construction.
  3. Develop logical and critical thinking skills for academic and professional communication.
  4. Introduce students to the art of public speaking and effective listening.
  5. Equip students with skills for various types of writing, including essays, reports, and technical documents.
  6. Introduce ethical considerations in writing, including copyright rules and plagiarism.
  7. Explore the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in modern language learning.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Identify and recognize sound patterns in the English language.
  2. List and explain notable language skills for effective communication.
  3. Classify and analyze word formation processes in English.
  4. Construct simple and fairly complex sentences with grammatical accuracy.
  5. Apply logical and critical reasoning for meaningful presentations.
  6. Demonstrate competence in public speaking and active listening.
  7. Write simple and technical reports, adhering to professional standards.

Course Content

Module 1: Sound Patterns and Language Skills

  • Topic 1: Sound Patterns in English (Vowels and Consonants, Phonetics, and Phonology)
  • Topic 2: Language Skills for Effective Communication

Module 2: English Grammar and Sentence Structure

  • Topic 1: Word Classes (Lexical and Grammatical Words: Definitions, Functions, and Usages)
  • Topic 2: Sentence Types (Structural and Functional; Simple and Complex Sentences)
  • Topic 3: Grammar and Usage (Tense, Mood, Modality, and Concord)

Module 3: Logical and Critical Reasoning

  • Topic 1: Methods of Reasoning (Logic, Syllogism, Inductive and Deductive Reasoning)
  • Topic 2: Argument and Explanation (Analogy, Generalization, and Ethical Considerations)

Module 4: Writing Activities

  • Topic 1: Writing Stages (Pre-writing, Writing, Editing, and Proofreading)
  • Topic 2: Types of Writing (Essays, Letters, Curriculum Vitae, Reports, Note-making)
  • Topic 3: Mechanics of Writing (Paragraphing, Brainstorming, Summarizing)
  • Topic 4: Report writing

Module 5: Comprehension Strategies and ICT

  • Topic 1: Reading Techniques (Types of Reading, Comprehension Skills, and 3RsQ)
  • Topic 2: ICT in Modern Language Learning

Module 6: Public Speaking and Listening

  • Topic 1: The Art of Public Speaking
  • Topic 2: Strategies for Effective Listening

 

Teaching and Learning Methods

  • Lectures: Introduction to concepts and theories.
  • Practical Sessions: Writing, reading, and speaking exercises.
  • Workshops: Focused activities on reasoning and report writing.
  • Group Discussions: Peer reviews and collaborative learning.

Assessment Methods

  1. Continuous Assessment: Writing assignments, quizzes, and class participation (40%)
  2. Practical Exercises: Public speaking presentations and comprehension tasks (20%)
  3. Final Examination: Written assessment covering all course modules (40%)

 

Reading List/References

Core Texts:

  1. Halliday, M. A. K., & Hasan, R. (1985). Language, Context, and Text: Aspects of Language in a Social-Semiotic Perspective. Oxford University Press.
  2. O’Connor, J. D. (2013). Better English Pronunciation. Cambridge University Press.

3.       Adegbija, E. E., & Babajide, A. O. (2017). Effective Communication Skills for Tertiary Institutions. Spectrum Books Limited.

4.       Oluikpe, B. O. (2018). English for Communicative Competence. Africana First Publishers.

5.       Adebayo, F. (2020). Introduction to Academic Writing and Communication in English. University Press.

Supplementary Texts:

1.       Gimson, A. C., & Ramsaran, S. (2021). Gimson's Pronunciation of English. Routledge.

2.       Babatunde, S. T. (2019). Essentials of Written and Spoken Communication. Ibadan University Press.

3.       Yule, G. (2022). The Study of Language. 7th Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Additional Resources:

1.       Hornby, A. S. (2020). Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English. 10th Edition. Oxford University Press.

2.       Bailey, S. (2021). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students. 6th Edition. Routledge.

3.       Crystal, D. (2018). English as a Global Language. 3rd Edition. Cambridge University Press.

4.       Quirk, R., Greenbaum, S., Leech, G., & Svartvik, J. (2019). A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. Longman.