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Athabasca University

University Certificate in English Language Studies
(offered jointly with the Télé-université du Québec)

Regulations effective September 1, 2016.

While English-speaking students are most welcome, the University Certificate in English Language Studies at Athabasca University is intended primarily for students whose native tongue is not English. The program is designed to teach students to communicate well in both oral and written English, in various professional contexts. Students will also study the structure of the English language and the social, cultural, and linguistic aspects of learning the language as it is practised in North America.

The program will enable students to apply acquired linguistic and cultural knowledge in various areas, including teaching English as a second language (TESL), translation, international business, and other professional fields.

Information regarding TESL accreditation requirements is on the TESL website.

The program is offered jointly with Télé-université du Québec (TELUQ), and students may enrol in the program at either university. For additional information on this program, French-speaking students may contact Télé-université du Québec at 800.665.4333 or fax 418.657.2094. French- and/or English-speaking students may contact Grace Oresile, Athabasca University at 1.800.788.9041, ext. 2057 or 1.780.428.2057.

Program Plans

Our online program plans can assist students in selecting the courses needed to fulfill program requirements.

Counselling Services offers an assessment website, "Mapping Your Future: Your Career and Athabasca University." Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available upon graduating.

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

Supplementary Requirements (for the Télé-université portion of the program)

Candidates must successfully complete the Télé-université placement test, and achieve the Advanced I level or higher. Students who have successfully passed the Télé-université course entitled General Communication (ANG 3001) are exempt from the placement test. Any student who attains the Advanced I level on the placement test may be admitted to the program on the condition that he or she passes the Télé-université course entitled General Communication (ANG 3001) or its equivalent before the beginning of the program. Any student who presents an attestation of the equivalent level of knowledge as that of the placement test may be allowed exemption from the Télé-université placement test.

Courses can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The courses in this program are divided into two distinct blocks: Language and Culture, and Professional Applications.

The Language and Culture block is devoted to the first three specific objectives of the program: to establish a theoretical and practical understanding of the English language through grammar, vocabulary, and syntax; and to familiarize students with expressions and works that reflect North American anglophone culture through introductory courses in Canadian and American literature. This block improves oral and written communication skills, and provides a good understanding of the various socio-cultural realities of anglophones across Canada and around the world. The language courses are offered by Athabasca University and Télé-université; the culture courses by Athabasca University.

The Professional Applications block provides a practical English experience in various professional fields: the teaching of English as a second language, computer science, international business, translation, etc. This sector develops students’ ability to integrate linguistically and culturally at a level appropriate to each domain. Although technical by nature, it incorporates thought-in-action, and encompasses two dimensions of understanding. First, it enables students to grasp the explicit and implicit values inherent in the activities. And second, it helps students become aware of the socio-historic contexts of those activities. Consequently, the knowledge acquired is contextualized as social and historical works, and not as immutable truths or values. This approach, known as "thought-critique" or "praxeology," allows for a better understanding of languages and cultures.

NOTE: New courses for other professional applications other than those mentioned, could be offered in the future depending on the needs and demands of the students at any given time.

Program Structure
Total credits in the program 30
Residency requirement. There are no minimum credits that must be obtained through Athabasca University 0
Maximum Prior Learning and Assessment (PLAR) credits None permitted

General certificate regulations

 

Language and Culture

Select a minimum of nine credits from the following Télé-université or Athabasca University courses:

View all Télé-Université courses

ANG 4005 Effective Written Communication (ANG 4005 prerequisite: ANG 3001 or advanced level on the placement test*) (3)
ENGL 177 English for Academic Purposes (ENGL 177 prerequisite: ANG 3001 or advanced level on the placement test*) (3)
LIN 4002 Contemporary English Canadian Language and Culture (3)
LIN 4003 An Overview of English Language Varieties and Culture (3)
*Either advanced level on the TELUQ placement test or the AU English Language Assessment (ELA).
ENGL 211 Prose Forms (3)
ENGL 212 Poetry and Plays (3)
ENGL 302 Introduction to Canadian Literature (6)
ENGL 303 A History of Drama Part I: Early Stages (3)
ENGL 304 A History of Drama Part II: Modernist Theatre (3)
ENGL 305 Literature for Children (6)
ENGL 306 The Literature of Work (3)
ENGL 307 Women in Literature (3)
ENGL 308 Native Literature in Canada (3)
ENGL 344 American Literature I (3)
ENGL 345 American Literature II (3)

Professional Applications

Select a minimum of 21 credits from the following Télé-université or Athabasca University courses:

View all Télé-Université courses

ENGL 189 English for Business (3)
ANG 4008 English for Computing (3)
LIN 4015 Second Language Learning and Bilingualism (3)
ANG 4017* Intermediate Business English (3)
LIN 4120 Teaching English as a Second Language with Modern Technologies (3)
LIN 4125 Teaching English as a Second Language in Schools (3)
LIN 4128 Teaching English as a Second Language to Adults (3)
LIN 4130 Reflexive Second Language Teaching (3)
TRA 4010 Introduction to English to French Translation (3)
TRA 4020 Translation from French to English (3)
TRA 4030 Tools, Resources, and Translation Support Environment (3)
* ANG 4007 has been renumbered to ANG 4017. It is the same course.

 

Information effective Sept. 1, 2016 to Aug. 31, 2017.

Updated June 28 2016 by laurab

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