Tilburg University Summer School

We offer you intensive academic summer courses (ECTS Accredited) combined with cultural and social activities.

English for Academic Purposes Summer Course

  • Arrival Day: 12 July 2012
  • Welcome Day: 13 July 2012
  • Course period: 16 July - 10 August 2012
  • Course load: 8 ECTS
  • Max participants: 20
  • Course leader: Ms. L (Linda) Mous
  • Target group: The course is designed for students who are preparing to study in an English-taught environment (Bachelor’s or Master’s program).
  • Schedule: One 2-hour morning class and a 2-hour afternoon class. In between lessons you work on your homework and assignments. No lessons on Wednesday afternoons.

Entry requirements
6 years of English at VWO or similar level IELTS 5/6, CEF-level B1+/B2-.

Course aims
For students to improve their general and academic English so that they will be able to participate in an English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s program.
Additional aims: ­

  • increase confidence in presenting and speaking in English
  • improve academic writing skills, including grammar and style
  • to improve listening and reading skills
  • to increase knowledge and active use of academic vocabulary

Course information
During this four-week intensive course, students will be prepared for academic use of English. The course will prepare students for listening and reading, writing (argumentative texts),grammar and vocabulary, and speaking (arguing your point, oral presentation, pronunciation).

Attention will be paid to grammatical accuracy and complexity. The writing part also deals with the construction of paragraphs, different text structures, and clear marking of argumentative steps. Students have to write an individual 1000-word paper on a topic of their choice. The basis for this paper will be a critical review of literature in the student's field. Therefore, the course will also address how to discuss, compare, and criticize source materials, using the appropriate textual devices and appropriate language.

In addition, as a group project, students will produce a magazine with different kinds of texts showing they are able to adapt structure, style, etc. to different target audiences.

Students will improve their speaking skills by means of discussions, debates and other assignments. Students will also practice how to give an oral presentation including presentation techniques, rhetorical devices, pronunciation, and language practice.

The course involves making use of a large number of online tools the TiU Language Center has developed, including the English Toolbox, the RefCite and Readabulary.

There are 9 lectures each week, one morning session and one afternoon session, except Wednesdays when there is only a morning session. Between the two lectures, time is reserved for independent study during which students are required to work on assignments and language areas in which students feel they need more practice.

Required reading
Reader developed by Tilburg University Language Center

    Course specifics
  • Attendance: 80% attendance is required.
  • Target level: high B2 or C1
  • Graded on: Argumentative essay, oral presentation, language test, and group assignment.
  • In the event of an insufficient number of participants, the Language Center reserves the right to cancel the course.

Registration
All participants should register with the Tilburg University Summer School. This includes Tilburg University students and staff. Assessment of proficiency with respect to entry requirements is the responsibility of the applicant. By registering for this course, you certify that you meet the set entry requirements for this course. Tilburg University students are advised to do the Student English Language Assessment (SELA) on Blackboard.

    Costs

  • Tilburg University students 'pay' with 12 language vouchers. If you do not have enough vouchers left, you pay €57 per language voucher.
  • Prospective Tilburg University students who register from September 2012 pay €852 and can use their language vouchers to get a refund of €684.
  • Tilburg University members of staff: pay €720.
  • External participants: pay €852.
  • Alumni who graduated in the past four years can participate in this course for the internal rate of €720.

Accommodation
The course fee does not include accommodation and study materials. You have to arrange accommodation yourself. Tilburg University Summer School recommends you book a room with a housing company directly. If you wish to do so, you can indicate this during your registration.


More information
For more information, please send an e-mail to the Tilburg University Summer School.