Learning Through English

English at BDIC

All core modules are delivered and assessed through English and are overseen by the UCD Centre for English and Global Languages. There is a fully immersive English language environment. Students take the following Academic English modules in the first two years of their degree programme:

• Stage 1
  -Autumn: BDIC1047J English for University Studies
  -Spring: BDIC1048J English for General Academic Purposes
• Stage 2
  -Autumn: BDIC2015J Academic Writing and Communication Skills
  -Spring: BDIC2007J English for Specific Academic Purposes

By successfully completing all Academic English modules, students will meet the UCD minimum English Language requirements. This standard is also accepted by UCD for entry to many graduate programmes. 

Overview of content, delivery, and assessment of Academic English modules.

Classes are taught by both Chinese and international English teachers and are student-led. Attendance and participation in every class is essential. Many assignments are project-based, building on work completed throughout the semester. Learning Materials, assessment guidelines, and rubrics will be shared on Brightspace. Students develop language awareness and communicative confidence through continual opportunities to put their language skills into practice.

Stage One content includes:

• United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
• Expectations of university study.
• Reading and analysis of academic and semi-academic texts
• Taking notes from lectures
• Writing argument essays and reports
• Participating in discussions and give presentations.

Stage Two content includes:

• Comparing and contrasting academic journal articles
• Taking part in seminar discussions
• Writing researched essays and using academic sources to support a position.