Improving the ability of students to communicate in English with a focus on reading and writing.
The aim of the course is to enable the students to communicate more effectively in English. The main focus of this course will be on those aspects of English that are likely to be of most use in engineering and scientific contexts.

Any course of this sort is only a first step in the students' path towards effective communication in English. At the end of the course, students will hopefully notice an improvement in their ability to communicate in English and especially an increase in confidence while tackling material in English. They will also be provided with strategies that they can utilize towards continuous improvement of their skills in the future.

Scientific English, Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking.

For the entire 90 minutes of the class, I will communicate only in English. I will try to speak slowly and in simple English. Of course, please do not hesitate to ask for clarification if you cannot understand anything.

Lecture 1: Overview of the class, a brief quiz and basics of English communication.
Lecture 2: Overview of English Grammar 1
Lecture 3: Overview of English Grammar 2
Lecture 4: English Vocabulary 1
Lecture 5: English Vocabulary 2
Lecture 6: Reading Comprehension 1: Introduction and short examples
Lecture 7: Reading Comprehension 2: Analyzing longer text -- individually
Lecture 8: Reading Comprehension 3: Analyzing longer text -- in collaboration with a group
Lecture 9: Writing 1: Structure of scientific text
Lecture 10: Writing 2: Expressing one's thoughts and summarising
Lecture 11: Writing 3: Strategies for clear writing
Lecture 12: Listening Comprehension
Lecture 13: Presentations 1: Short presentations by the students and associated discussion
Lecture 14: Presentations 2: Short presentations by the students and associated discussion
Lecture 15: Course summary and free discussion

I will try to conduct the class in the form of a discussion, so students are expected to actively participate in the class.
I will provide more details in the first class, so please make sure to attend it.

Any assignments from the previous lecture session. Practice reading exercises.
I will provide my email address and would be happy to meet with students by appointment. Appointments can be scheduled over email but please write in English.

Final grades will be based on class participation, assignments and final presentation.

Class participation: 30%
Assignments: 40%
Final presentation: 30%
This is only a tentative outline and is subject to modification.

There will be no required text for the class. I will provide handouts of the relevant reading materials.
I do recommend a good dictionary. There are several available for free on the web. Suggestions are available upon request.
I will suggest additional reading in class.

Please feel free to come to my office if you would like any further information about this course. Kindly schedule an appointment by writing to sa.k.sukumaran@gmail.com before stopping by. Please write your email in English.