HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF PROGRAM: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION LEVEL: BACHOLOR’S

FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

SYLLABUS
1. Title: English for Computer Science
2. Code: ENCS330537
3. Credits: 3 credits (3:0:6) (3 lecture periods, 0 lab period, 6 self-study periods per week)
4. Lecturers
Chief lecturer:
Co-lecturers:
5. Prerequisites
Prerequisite course(s): Communicative English 2
Previous course(s): N/A
6. Overview
This is an English for Specific Purposes course designed for students majoring in the area relevant to
Information Technology. The course is intended for students to achieve the pre-intermediate level of
English language proficiency (equivalent to B1 level of CEFR) in Speaking, Listening, Reading, and
Writing skills on computer science related topics. The course aims to develop students’ English
competence to deal with popular computer technology matters in other countries and to exchange
technical information and ideas with English-speaking people. It particularly offers students the
opportunities to understand the main points of clear standard English input on technical matters
regularly encountered at work and school. Students are asked to deal with most situations likely to
arise whilst working on computer science in an area where English is spoken. They are asked to
produce simple connected English texts on topics relevant to computer science or work plan. They
are also prepared to describe experiences, events, and ambitions relevant to the field of computer and
briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. In addition, this course promotes
students’ development of presentation skills, teamwork ability, and learner autonomy by engaging
them in various interactive activities.
7. Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Descriptions Compe-
CLOs After finishing this course, students are able to tency
Level
Understand the main points of extended discussion around them, provided
CLO1.1 2
that the speech is clearly articulated in standard English dialect
Understand the main points of radio news bulletins and simpler recorded
CLO1.2 material about familiar computer parts delivered relatively slowly and 2
clearly
Understand straightforward factual details about common computer-related
CLO1.3 topics, provided that the speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar 2
English accent

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 Read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to computer science
CLO2.1 2
with a satisfactory level of comprehension
Identify desired information and gather information from different parts of
CLO2.2 2
a text, or from different texts to fulfil a specific task
Recognise significant points in straightforward newspaper articles in
CLO2.3 2
English on familiar computer-related subjects
Maintain an English conversation or discussion with some difficulties in
CLO3.1 3
using accurate expressions
Express and respond to feelings such as surprise, happiness, sadness,
CLO3.2 3
interest, and indifference
Express thoughts and personal views about abstract topics such as
CLO3.3 3
perspectives of cloud computing and hackers
Write letters in English describing computer science problems and
CLO4.1 3
technical events in some detail.
Write English notes conveying simple information of immediate relevance
CLO4.2 3
to colleagues, service people, and others who feature in their everyday work
Write short, simple notes, and messages in English relating to matters in
CLO4.3 3
areas of immediate need at work
Present straightforward English descriptions on a variety of familiar
CLO5.1 3
subjects within the field of computer science
Establish fluent connections of a straightforward English narrative or
CLO5.2 description as a linear sequence of points on accounts of experiences, 3
feelings, and reactions
Write straightforward connected English texts on a range of familiar
CLO5.3 subjects within the field of computer science, by linking a series of shorter 3
discrete elements into a linear sequence

Demonstrate a sufficient vocabulary to express themselves with some

CLO6.1 circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to their everyday work such as 3
operating system, anti-virus software, programming, and current events
Use reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and
CLO6.2 3
patterns associated with more predictable situations

8. Main Topics
- Computer memory - Operating system
- Programming languages - Advertising and marketing
- Storage devices - Automation
- Peripherals - Hackers and viruses
- Social networking - Identity theft
- GPS systems - Anti-virus software
- Robotics - Cloud computing
- Artificial intelligence - Creative design

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9. Teaching Methods
The course employs communicative language teaching approach to improve students’ English
language competence. Interactive activities are primarily used during the course delivery in line with
the principles of student-centered approach. Opportunities for meaning negotiation are facilitated for
input exposure increase and skill development scaffolding. The questioning techniques for
clarification inquiries and further elaborations are conducted for students’ construction of knowledge
and development of skills. Students are assigned to team up with different partners in each learning
tasks to maximize the peers’ support and improve collaboration skills. Critical comments and
experience-based feedback from individual’s perspective are greatly appreciated during the class
activities.
10. Assessments
During the course, students need to demonstrate evidence that they have read the materials, completed
the assignments, sharpened their skills, and are willing to share their ideas and feelings with their
peers. Students are assessed for their performance in two quizzes, a mini project, a mini test, and a
final examination. The final grade ranges from 0 to 10. The weighting of these assessments is listed
below.

No. Weighting Assessment

1 10% Quizzes
2 20% Mini project
3 20% Mini test
4 50% Final examination

11. Learning Materials

Evans, V., Dooley, J., & Wright, S. (2018). Career Paths: Information Technology. Express
Publishing.
Evans, V., Dooley, J., & Nawathe, V. (2018). Career Paths: Computer Engineering (2nd ed.).
Express Publishing.

12. General Information

Academic integrity
Students of the course are subject to the Academic Integrity Policy of HCMUTE as indicated at
https://sao.hcmute.edu.vn. They need to strictly observe all the guidelines and requirements,
including a strict prohibition against plagiarism. Any violation needs to be reported to the Dean Office
of the Faculty of Information Technology.
Flexibility notice
When necessary, the online class meeting is organized on a synchronous platform, and login details
are sent to students through the LMS, student email, or enrolment system. Students are always notified
if the class mode is changed. Apart from the grading and absence policies, other information in this
syllabus may be subject to change with reasonably advanced notice. Students need to regularly check
their mailbox and the LMS for the updates of the course that they enroll.
Intellectual property
The contents of the lectures delivered in the class meetings and other written materials distributed to
students during the course are under the copyright protection as indicated in the Intellectual Property

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Regulations of HCMUTE. Students’ captures of the lecture notes cannot be distributed or circulated
for commercial purposes without the official permission from the course lecturers.
13. Approval Date: <dd/mm/yyyy>
14. Endorsement
Dean Head of Department Chief Lecturer

15. Revision History

1st Revision: <dd/mm/yyyy> Lecturer:

Head of Department:
2nd Revision: <dd/mm/yyyy> Lecturer:

Head of Department:

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