SoLA

Overview: English Language Support Programme

Department of Language

Faculty of Liberal Arts

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

Undergraduate Curriculum

Students will be placed into two groups according to their scores on a placement procedure.  They will then take three courses worth nine credits as shown in the table below.  In years 3 and 4 optional courses will also be offered.

Placement

Group A                           Group B

Year 1 Semester 1                               LNG 101                          LNG 102

Year 1 Semester 2                               LNG 102                          LNG 103

Year 2 Semester 1                               LNG 103                          LNG 104

Year 3 and 4                                       Optional                           Optional

Compulsory courses:

LNG 101        Fundamental English I

LNG 102        Fundamental English II

LNG 103        Fundamental English III

LNG 104        Content-based Language Learning I (for group B only)

Optional courses:

LNG 104        Content-based Language Learning I (for group A only)

LNG 201        Content-based Language Learning II

LNG 202        Advanced Academic Skills

LNG 221        Oral Communication I

LNG 222        Oral Communication II

LNG 411        English for Employment

LNG 412        English for Professional Environments

Vocational Diploma Intake Curriculum

Students will be placed into two groups according to their scores on a placement procedure.  They will then take two courses worth six credits as shown in the table below.

Placement

Group A                           Group B

Year 1 Semester 1                               LNG 111                          LNG 112

Year 1 Semester 2                               LNG 112                          LNG 113

Compulsory courses:

LNG 111        Basic English for Vocational Graduates

LNG 112        English for Vocational Graduates I

LNG 113        English for Vocational Graduates II

As for IT students, they have to take the following compulsory English courses worth 12 credits as shown below:

LNG 331        English for Information Technology I

LNG 332        English for Information Technology II

LNG 333        English for Information Technology III

LNG 334        English for Information Technology IV

Postgraduate Curriculum

Students will be placed into two groups according to their scores on a placement procedure.  Courses taken are shown in the table below.

Placement

Group A                           Group B

Year 1 Semester 1                               LNG 500                          LNG 600

Year 1 Semester 2                               LNG 600                          Optional

Compulsory courses:

LNG 550        Remedial English Course for Post Graduate Students

LNG 600        Insessional English Course for Post Graduate Students

Optional courses:

LNG 602        Thesis and Article Writing Skills

LNG 603        Advanced Oral Communication

LNG 604        Advanced English for Professional Environments

Course Outlines and Objectives

LNG 101 Fundamental English I

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:

This course aims to raise students’ English language competence to the point where they are able to benefit from English-medium instruction.  Covering all four skills through basic skills-oriented strategy training, the course raises the students’ awareness of both language and learning, and thus enables them to use and understand English with relative ease and efficiency.  The course takes the form of a series of large-scale talks involving students in finding their own resources to complete the tasks from the Self Access Learning Centre, the library and the Internet.  The course, then, combines classroom learning with self-access learning to allow students to focus on their own specific needs and to promote self-directed learning.

LNG 102 Fundamental English II

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisites: Pass at LNG 101 Fundamental English I or Pass grade from placement

procedure

Course Description:

This course builds on LNG 101 by providing further strategy training, but also places a strong emphasis on the cognitive skills of the students.  A wide range of cognitive skills is covered including logical, creative and critical thinking.  These cognitive skills are dealt with through a series of English-medium task, which include simulations, e-mail correspondence and Internet projects.  Students’ language difficulties are dealt with as they arise thus addressing students’ real needs.  Covering all four skills, the content of the course includes occupational as well as academic English.  To enhance autonomous learning skills, students are encouraged to learn independently using the Self Access Learning Centre as well as e-mail, Internet and Library resources.

LNG 103 Fundamental English III

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 102 Fundamental English II

Course Description:

While also covering language and thinking skills, the main focus of this course is to prepare students to be able to fully participate and learn in an English-medium environment.  In addition, the course enhances students’ ability to take control over their future language development through metacognitive strategy training, including the abilities to set learning goals, to make realistic and practicable plans to reach the goals, and to implement the plan through self-access and other forms of independent learning.  To help students benefit most from an English-language environment, the course aims to change their attitudes towards language and learning by building their confidence, enhancing risk-taking attitudes and motivating them to develop further by themselves.  The course takes the form of a series of large-scale tasks, including simulations, self-access based tasks, and international e-mail and Internet based interactive oral projects.

LNG 104 Content-based Language Learning I

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 103 Fundamental English III

Course Description:

This course takes the form of a large-scale project, and thus simulates the stages undertaken in preparing and presenting research, from finding references to writing a final draft and giving an oral presentation.  The course uses authentic content prepared in cooperation with staff from other faculties and in-depth content support is provided in addition to language teaching and learner training.  The course therefore acts as a simulation of a content course from another faculty, but by providing language support and guidance, prepares students for learning in an English-medium academic environment.

LNG 111 Basic English for Vocational Graduates

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:

This course aims to instill the background language and skills necessary for undertaking LNG 112 and to raise students’ confidence in using English.  There will be no predetermined focus to the course, but instead it will concentrate on those areas where the students are weakest and need most improvement.  The course combines self-access and classroom learning.

LNG 112 English for Vocational Graduates I

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisites: Pass at LNG 111 Basic English for Vocational Graduates or Pass grade

from placement procedure

Course Description:

This course focuses further on language skills by providing strategy training through English-medium tasks.  Covering all four language skills, the course aims to raise students’ awareness of language and learning, and, by integrating self-access and other forms of independent learning, to help the students become able to continue learning by themselves.

LNG 113 English for Vocational Graduates II

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 112 English for Vocational Graduates I

Course Description:

This course focuses primarily on language and cognitive skills, but also aims to build students’ confidence and enhance risk-taking and motivation.  The course takes the form of English-medium tasks which mirror the students’ real-world academic and occupational needs, and thus prepares the students for functioning effectively in an English-language environment.  Tasks include self-access based tasks, resourcing tasks and interactive tasks.

LNG 201 Content-based Language Learning II

Credits: 3 (3-0-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 104 Content-based Language Learning I

Course Description:

This course addresses the real language problems of students by providing a language adjunct for a content course.  While learning a content-area English-medium course, the students also take LNG 201 which deals with the problems they have in the content-area course.  This course, then, focuses on the students’ real language, cognitive and affective problems as they arise in the content-area course.  Through close cooperation with the content-area teacher, problems are dealt with both through classroom instruction and through teacher-guided self-instruction, thus fully preparing students for learning further content courses in an English medium.

LNG 202 Advanced Academic Skills

Credits: 3 (3-0-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 103 Fundamental English III

Course Description:

This course is designed to improve students’ reading and writing skills to the point of being able to complete academic writing tasks accurately, appropriately and persuasively.  Using the students’ own academic writing requirements as input, the course covers the research methods, reading techniques and note-taking skills needed to search for, obtain, compile, adapt and organise information as well as the process and conventions of academic writing.  The course involves both classroom contact and individual tutorials to address students’ specific problems.

LNG 203        Basic German I

Credits: 3 (2-2-6 )

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:

This course is an introductory German course for those with little or no background in the language. LNG 203 has two main gols: the first is to build a basic grammatical foundation of the German language to enable students to communicate in German; the second is to build good communication skills, which are essential for students to express themselves in simple German both orally and in writing. Achieving these goals requires regular practice with the language, both in and outside of the classroom.

LNG 204        Basic German II

Credits: 3 (2-2-6 )

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 203 Basic German I

Course Description:

This course is the continuation of LNG 203. The aim of this course is to further develop the basic skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading learned in LNG 203 at a higher level. Some German grammatical structures and language patterns are added. Students will review and refine their understanding of grammatical structures and broaden their vocabulary. In addition, this course helps students be aware of the appropriateness of using German in various situations.

LNG 221 Oral Communication I

Credits: 3 (3-0-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 103 Fundamental English III

Course Description:

This course will consist of practice in speaking situations likely to be experienced by the student: a social conversation of up to six exchanges; the giving of simple instructions or directions; a one-minute interview; an introduction to participation in seminars through a two-minute lecture on a subject of the student’s own choice.

LNG 222 Oral Communication II

Credits: 3 (3-0-6)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 221 Oral Communication I

Course Description:

Further practice in an extension of situations likely to be met by students : conversations on unprepared topics-12 exchanges : giving more complex instructions : a three-minute interview : a five-minute lecturette on a technical subject : on oral report on a technical problem: holding a board or committee meeting.

LNG 223        Study Skills

Credits : 3 (3-0-6)

Prerequisite : Pass at LNG 102 Fundamental English II

Course Description:

Further practice in note-taking techniques and summary writing of longer inputs e.g. lectures chapters in books, to serve as preparation for the required academic writing such as reports, term paper etc. In the students specialized fields. The handling of information resources and data-processing procedure. Training and practice in information presentation, techniques and formats, e.g. oral and written reports, participation in class discussions or seminars, techniques needed for successful interview etc.

LNG 291        Thai Skill I : Speaking

Credits:        3 (2-2-6)

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description:

This course aims at equipping the students with strategies for communication and training them how to decode and encode messages, focusing on the speaking skills and to send various verbal messages efficiently and effectively. Topics studied are as follows: cognitive and metacognitive skills applicable to speaking; speaking as an art; common oral errors e.g.[r],[l] after an initial consonant; appropriate use of varieties and registers, various types of speaking, e.g. topics initiated by learners, topic assigned by tutors, impromptu speech; discussion skills and formal presentations and speeches, especially for administrators.

LNG 292        Thai Skill II: Writing

Credits:        3 (2-2-6)

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:

This course aims to develop the students’ writing abilities. The objectives are to equip the students with fundamental strategies for writing and to train how to write for specific purposes with a particular focus on academic writing. In applying these strategies in other fields, they will achieve efficient and effective writing. The topics studied are as follows: correct spelling of difficult words including loan words; how to select the word most appropriate for the context, how to write sentences logically and lucidly; how to convey ideas explicitly and expressively; various types of writing, e.g. project, proposal, article writing on general topics, research report, business letters and creative writing.

LNG 301        Japanese I

Credits :       3 (3-0-6)

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description:

This course in an introduction to Japanese. It deal primarily with the basic structure of the Japanese language: characters: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji, sentences: affirmative, interrogative, positive and negative, particles, numbers, tense: Present Tense, Past Tense. The course is taught by integrating the four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Basic communicative situations are presented: greeting, asking for address and telephone number, introducing oneself, shopping, talking about time and date.

LNG 302        Japanese  II

Credits:        3 (2-2-6)

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description:

This course is the continuation of LNG 301. More situations are presented in this course. Further Kanji and vocabulary are introduced. The grammar comprises of: Present Continuous Tense, Passive Voice, Using polite forms of language, adjective.

LNG 331 English for Information Technology I

Credits:        3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:

This fundamental English course aims to provide equal practice in four basic language skills, namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing and to equip students with the grammatical background knowledge necessary to enhance their classroom participation without anxiety of making mistakes. This course also enables students to take the more difficult courses which follow. The listening skill focuses on listening strategies including distinguishing sounds in words, phases, sentences and also short passages for basic understanding. Students will practice using simple sentences for purposeful communication. The students will be introduced to and practice using reading strategies for understanding reading passage concerning Information Technology. They will also practice writing simple sentences as well as short passage. Additionally, they will have opportunities to obtain study skills both inside and outside the classroom with the exercises and the activities emphasizing language for communication together with grammatical structures and vocabulary in context.

LNG 332 English for Information Technology II

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 331 English for Information Technology I

Course Description:

The content of this course focuses on modern technology and information technology in particular. The students will use English in simulated situations including the skills of thinking and problem-solving. In addition, they will be introduced to and practice using reading strategies for collecting and summarizing information, for example, reading for comprehension and reading for specific information. For the other skills, the students will practice listening for the gist of paragraph – level statements, speaking in daily life and asking and answering questions for clearer information. They will also learn about and practice writing of the paragraph level by composing well organized and cohesive texts.

LNG 333 English for Information Technology III

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 332 English for Information Technology II

Course Description:

This course aims to enable students to acquire language skills through different forms of content in information technology area. Attention will be paid to all the four language skills equally. The student will practice listening for comprehension, note-taking, making summary and interpret texts. In addition, they will be taught how to express ideas and give reasons to support ideas. For reading, the students with be trained is advanced skills of analyzing the structure of text in order to understand it better. Moreover, techniques of giving and supporting opinions, writing reports, note-taking and summary writing will also be introduced.

LNG 334 English for Information Technology IV

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 333 English for Information Technology III

Course Description:

This course aims to provide practice in speaking, listening, reading, writing skills for occupational purposes. The students will be trained in major areas. First of all, they will practise how to apply for a job including interpreting advertisement, selecting a job suitable for their capability, telephoning for more information and an appointment, writing a letter of application, writing a resume, filling out an application form, interviewing techniques e.g. interviewing preparation, appropriate behaviour and dress for attending an interview, selling yourself, asking questions, making statement, etc. Then they will study how to communicate effectively in their career, practising how to deal with manuals, texts, academic journals as well as practising writing memos, e-mails, etc. Additionally, they will be equipped with speaking techniques to communicate effectively with peers together with active listening skills to promote good relations among their colleagues.

LNG 351        Basic Chinese I

Credits: 3 (3-0-6)

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:

This course is an elementary course aiming to introduce a basic knowledge of Modern Mandarin. The topic covered are symbol pronunciation, which is composed of alphabets, vowels and tones- standardize Beijing pronunciation is used; Chinese alphabets, and methods or writing. Word components, easy vocabulary, structures and basic grammar are also studied. Although the course offers 4 skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, correct pronunciation of words is the main focus.

LNG 352        Basic Chinese II

Credits: 3 (3-0-6)

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:

This course builds on the symbols, pronunciation and structures concerned in Basic Chinese I. There is more focus vocabulary and patterns of structure, especially with reference to everyday conversation. Topics include asking for personal information, greetings and farewells, dates and time and others topics useful in everyday life.

LNG 411 English for Employment

Credits: 3 (3-0-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 103 Fundamental English III

Course Description:

This course aims to train students to communicate effectively in English in the following situations:

I.  Pre-employment which includes

finding a job: interpreting adverts, writing letters on spec;

applying for a job: letter of application, telephoning for appointments, application forms;

interviewing: one to one with Personnel Officers, with Committee, selling yourself, asking questions, making statements.

II. Working which includes

induction to job/pre-job training: preparing oneself to understand native speakers with various accents, to ask intelligent questions, to give monologues and to make polite interruptions;

on the job: asking for information, help, clarification, etc, explaining process, describing objects, apologies for misunderstandings or late coming etc., making friends with native speakers, etc.

Beyond the job: training courses, in-country and overseas.

LNG 412        English for Professional Environmentals

Credits: 3 (2-2-6)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 411 English for Employment

Course Description:

This course builds on the skills learnt in LNG 411 by focusing on the skills used in professional environments. Using case studies and class projects, the central theme of the courses is the language required in real-life professional situations. With the case studies and projects provide input for class discussion and assignments, the course covers a wide range off language skills needed in professional environments, including socialising, negotiations, presentations, report writing and written communication within officers, as well as cognitive skills such as critical evaluation, decision making and problem solving.

LNG 550 Remedial English Course for Post Graduate Students

Credits: 2 (1-2-3)

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:

This course aims to instill the background language and skills necessary for undertaking LNG 600 and to raise the students’ confidence in using English. There will be no predetermined focus of the course, but instead it will concentrate on those areas where the students are weakest and need most improvement. The classroom teaching and learning will be supported by self-directed learning to allow the students to improve their language and skills autonomously.

LNG 600 Insessional English Course for Post Graduate Students

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Prerequisite: Pass at LNG 550 Remedial English Course for Post Graduate Students or Pass

grade from placement procedure

Course Description:

This course aims to develop English language skills relevant to mature students in Master’s Degree Programmes in Engineering, Science and Technology. It will have a practical skills base, but will not be yet another grammar course. Rather its focus will be on the real language demands, particularly in reading and writing, faced by students in the course of their studies. It is project-focussed and simulates the stages undertaken in preparing and presenting research, from finding references to writing a final draft. The course will equip students with language learning strategies to facilitate ongoing autonomous learning and will emphasise language use not usage, real communication not classroom practice.

LNG 601:  Foundation English for International Programs (57 hours)

Credits: 3 (2-2-4)

Course Description:

This course aims to develop English Languages skills necessary for use in international graduate programs.  The course is designed for mature students in engineering and technology.  It will have a practical skills base and focus on the real language demands in the international program, including: speaking and listening, lecture note taking, conference and group discussion, verbal report and presentation, report and technical paper writing.

LNG241 Academic Writing

In this course, the students will be: focusing on the way that you get to the finished product ; practicing the typical steps in writing for your computer science subjects ; and understanding that you may need to adapt the format in order to meet the needs of specific audience, purpose, or subject.