Introduction
The English Language Department at PSU offers a mandatory pre-university course,
the Prep Year English Program (PYEP) and three separate undergraduate programs
within the University English Program (UEP): Composition 1, Composition II,
(Basic Report Writing) and Business Communication.
The PYEP is a six hundred-hour intensive course, spread over two semesters.
A pass at C level or better in each part of the PYEP is obligatory for entering
any university course. Each of the UEP courses is an accredited part of a main
degree course. A student cannot graduate without passing each of these courses.
Objectives of the Preparatory Year Program
The Preparatory Year Program (PYP) offers a bridge between the students’ high
school education and the degree-level course he will be taking (in English) in
general science, computers, accounting, finance, and marketing. The main aim is
to improve the students’ English language skills to the level required in
freshman courses conducted in English. The English program is sharply focused on
what the students will need to achieve success in freshman studies and beyond.
It is not a general English program. It is an English for Academic Purposes
(EAP) program.
High school mathematics is reviewed to consolidate students skills and to
introduce mathematical terminology in English. The Computer Department also
conducts computer studies in English. In addition, students take two hours a
week of physical education to help ensure they remain fit and healthy.
Objectives of the Preparatory Year English Program
The Preparatory Year English department is responsible for developing the
language proficiency necessary for students to enter the main part of the
university, where English is the medium of instruction. All students must take
and pass the two-semester, 600 hour, Preparatory Year English course, before
they can begin undergraduate studies.
The objectives of the Preparatory Year English program fall into two specific
categories:
1. To raise students English language proficiency to a level that enables them to
begin their university studies 2. Shaping students study habits and promoting
self-reliance.
Category 1 involves:
- Building students technical and sub-technical vocabulary
- Developing skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, which
includes:
- Tolerance of ambiguity and minimal redundancy in a message or situation
- The use of tabular information, charts and diagrams to anticipate and
interpret written materials
- Stimulating and improving grammatical competence
Category 2 includes a strong emphasis on:
- Punctuality - The importance of regular attendance as a minimal requirement
for success
- The importance of compliance with university regulations
- The setting and planning of priorities
- The ability to work under pressure for long periods of time
- Basic library skills
- How to understand and follow instructions
- How to follow the format required for written assignments