justification, description and method . Even assessment

1. Course Justification,
Description and
Assessment
Relevant Syllabus Information

2. Course Justification
This program promotes the teaching of English as an
international language as it is a much required
language for professionals and students in our
context. Also, given that the learning of English is of
such importance at present, this course is “required”
for all students entering the University of Panama for
the first time. Last but not least, this course is also
part of the “core curriculum” established as
mandatory for students from all disciplines and fields
of study at the undergraduate level.

3. Course Description
This course, ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND
COMMUNICATION- NCIN 0004, is offered to all
undergraduate level programs related to the following
fields: technology, natural sciences, administration,
social sciences, humanities and the health sciences.
This is a one semester course, and students´
admission is subject to instructor´s approval. The
course is worth 2 credits, and 32 hours long. This
course is composed by four (4) modules, one (1)
weekly contact hour (face to face) and two (2)weekly
hours of computer mediated instruction through our
content management system.

4. CONTINUED…
The course is also aimed at supporting the
development of diverse language domains and skills,
so in order to accomplish this outcome the program
may be offered through the following computer
mediated means of instruction: face to face,
blended, and online.
Students will receive not only basic guidance on
language skill development but also guided
instruction leading to the development of cultural
awareness, and the appreciation of diversity— a
cross curricular theme conducive to the development
of a culture of peace and tolerance.

5. METHOD
The course methodology will focus on the
development of the four basic skills: reading, writing,
speaking and listening comprehension. Some of the
proposed activities include: presentations, group
discussions, dialogued presentations, workshops,
forums, and classroom projects. Assessment
includes both qualitative and quantitative evaluation
based on an ongoing scheme that goes along the
lines of constructivist theories of learning.

6. ASSESSMENT
Competence achievement factors measure
instruments item effectivity from the diagnostic,
formative and summative tests proposed for each
module. The minimum promotion score is 71%, and
assessment percentages follow the criteria below:
Tests 25%
Quizzes 25%
Group Presentations 15%
Final 35%
Total 100%
Note: Students taking the online or blended course do not require prior
computer knowledge beyond average user experience. A personal computer
and some experience at the user level ,including email use is enough.