ADVANCED

DIPLOMA
IN
ENGLISH
LANGUAGE

UG-ESL-adel
PROGRAM HANDBOOK 2022-2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents........................................................................................................................ i
Program Overview....................................................................................................................... 1
Synopsis ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Information ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Standards ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Program Content ........................................................................................................................ 2
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Program Aims ................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Learning Outcomes .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Skills and other Attributes ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Program Structure ..................................................................................................................... 4
Program Policies ......................................................................................................................... 5
Entry Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Studying Strategy...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Assessment Strategy ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Assessment Structure .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Grading System of The American School of Social Sciences ................................................................7
Academic Policies ....................................................................................................................... 8
Credit Hour Policy ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Credit Transfer ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Academic Integrity ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Self-assessment ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Student Conduct and Etiquette ......................................................................................................................... 9
Support Information ................................................................................................................ 10
Information technology ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Orientation Course ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Opportunities For Skills Training and Development .................................................................................. 10
Opportunities To Provide Evaluation and Feedback ................................................................................ 10
Student Life and Support ..................................................................................................................................... 10

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 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

SYNOPSIS

This handbook is primarily intended for students enrolling in The American University of
Science's Advanced Diploma in English Language program. This handbook contains information
specific to the program as serving as a definitive record of the program's primary characteristics
and the learning outcomes that a typical student can reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if they take full advantage of the learning opportunities available. Besides, this
document is intended to serve as a reference for academic and support staff, its assessment
by internal and external examiners, as well as for subsequent monitoring and review.

INFORMATION

PROGRAM title/award Advanced Diploma in English Language

Program code UG-ESL-ADEL

Awarding institution American University of Science

Faculty American School of Social Sciences

Mode of Study Online Competency-based Education | Face-to-face (Vietnam)

Program length Maximum Six (6) Months

program credits 8.0 Semester Credit Hours

Level of education Undergraduate-level Qualification (1st cycle)

Last Date of revision May 26th, 2022

Standards

USA: Post-secondary institution regulated under Hawaii

Revised Statutes Chapter 446E.
Vietnam: Post-secondary institution regulated by Department of
Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City.

Legality Post-secondary Academic Instruction licensed and

accredited by Department of Science and Technology
of Ho Chi Minh City.
English Language Instruction licensed and accredited
by Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh
City.

Fully complied with those of Distance Education Accrediting

Standards
Commission, a USDE-recognized accreditor.

Institutionally accredited (candidacy status) by American

Association for Higher Education, a Registered Constituent of
Accreditation
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), managed by Bureau of
Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State.

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 PROGRAM Content

Overview

The Advanced Diploma in English Language program is designed on the basis that students
should read and be assessed on high-quality, challenging texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st
centuries. Each text studied must represent a substantial piece of writing, making significant
demands on students in terms of content, structure, and the quality of language. The texts,
across a range of genres and types, should support students in developing their own writing by
providing effective models. The texts must include literature and extended literary non-fiction,
and other writing such as essays, reviews, and journalism (both printed and online). Texts that
are essentially transient, such as instant news feeds, must not be included. The number and
types of texts, and their length, are not prescribed.

Program aims

The Advanced Diploma in English Language program should ensure students can read fluently
and write effectively. They should be able to demonstrate a confident control of Standard
English, and they should be able to write grammatically correct sentences, deploy figurative
language and analyze texts. Students will use a variety of texts as reading stimuli and interact
with creative, real, and relevant contexts. There will be opportunities for students to develop
higher-order reading and critical thinking skills that promote genuine inquiry into various topics
and themes.

Learning outcomes

The Advanced Diploma in English Language program should enable students to:
• Read a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding.
• Read critically, and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own
writing.
• Write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately.
• Use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately.
• Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of
grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken
language.
• Listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively.

Skills and other Attributes

Critical Reading and Comprehension

• Critical reading and comprehension: identifying and interpreting themes, ideas and
information in a range of literature and other high-quality writing; reading in different ways
for different purposes, and comparing and evaluating the usefulness, relevance and
presentation of content for these purposes; drawing inferences and justifying these with
evidence; supporting a point of view by referring to evidence within the text; identifying
bias and misuse of evidence, including distinguishing between statements that are
supported by evidence and those that are not; reflecting critically and evaluatively on text,

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 using the context of the text and drawing on knowledge and skills gained from wider
reading; recognizing the possibility of different responses to a text.
• Summary and synthesis: identifying the main theme or themes; summarizing ideas and
information from a single text; synthesizing from more than one text.
• Evaluation of a writer’s choice of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features:
explaining and illustrating how vocabulary and grammar contribute to effectiveness and
impact, using linguistic and literary terminology accurately to do so and paying attention to
detail; analyzing and evaluating how form and structure contribute to the effectiveness and
impact of a text.
• Comparing texts: comparing two or more texts critically with respect to the above.
Writing
• Producing clear and coherent text: writing effectively for different purposes and audiences:
to describe, narrate, explain, instruct, give and respond to information, and argue; selecting
vocabulary, grammar, form, and structural and organizational features judiciously to reflect
audience, purpose and context; using language imaginatively and creatively; using
information provided by others to write in different forms; maintaining a consistent point of
view; maintaining coherence and consistency across a text.
• Writing for impact: selecting, organizing and emphasizing facts, ideas and key points; citing
evidence and quotation effectively and pertinently to support views; creating emotional
impact; using language creatively, imaginatively and persuasively, including rhetorical
devices (such as rhetorical questions, antithesis, parenthesis).
Spoken Language
• Presenting information and ideas: selecting and organizing information and ideas effectively
and persuasively for prepared spoken presentations; planning effectively for different
purposes and audiences; making presentations and speeches.
• Responding to spoken language: listening to and responding appropriately to any questions
and feedback.
• Spoken Standard English: expressing ideas using Standard English whenever and wherever
appropriate.

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 PROGRAM STRUCTURE

themes Code Course name *

Receptive 1. ELRS-U-2201 Reading Comprehension

SKILLS 2. ELRS-U-2202 Listening Comprehension
Any orders

Practicum
Expressive 3. ELES-U-2203 Written Communication
Skills 4. ELES-U-2204 Verbal Communication

All courses are mandatory

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 PROGRAM POLICIES

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Although there are no previous learning requirements and applicants are not required to have
taken any particular qualifications before taking this program, an unconditional offer can be
made at the discretion of the University based on the following:
1. Applicants should demonstrate that they have the commitment and motivation to complete
the course.
2. Satisfactory outcomes via an oral interview-based and/or written assessment(s).

Studying Strategy

Lectures, essential readings, specialized training, and references.

 Each core course will be intensively taught, with a combination
of lectures, case studies, and practical sessions. Highly
Studying advanced lessons necessitate much preparation before class.
Independent study is highly encouraged to augment and
reinforce classroom instruction and enhance students'
knowledge and insights into the topic.

Online sessions, discussion forums, seminars, and conferences.

 Besides online live sessions arranged by the faculties, students
are recommended to participate in discussion forums, seminars,
and conferences that promote the learning experience. Each
Supporting course includes online access to required readings and a variety
of materials from essential and supporting sources.
Additionally, students are expected to utilize various research
tools and different expert training to foster an in-depth
understanding of conceptual and practical aspects.

Practicum is an essential component of each course fostering the

Training
hands-on experience of students’ specializations.

Assessment Strategy

• For ELRS-U-2201 - Reading Comprehension, ELRS-U-2202 -

Listening Comprehension, and ELES-U-2203 - Written
Communication:
o 5 Module quizzes: 50% (each quiz accounts for 10%).
o 1 Course quiz: 20%.
Assessment Methods and
Criteria o Written coursework: 20% (Knock-out criteria).
o Practicum: professional portfolio (5%) & reflection report
(5%).
• ELES-U-2204 - Verbal Communication:
o 5 group debates: 50% (each debate accounts for 10%).

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 o Final group presentation: 30%.
o Viva Voce: 20% (Knock-out criteria).
o Practicum: professional portfolio (5%) & reflection report
(5%).

• Module quizzes: Each week, a student must complete one

graded quiz with ten (10) multiple-choice questions. These
assessments aim to determine the level of comprehension and
mastery of the material covered each week. Quiz assignments
are graded automatically, and the grade is stored in the online
grade book. Only one timed attempt per quiz of fifteen-minute
(15 minutes) is allowed.
• Course quiz: In the last week of the course, students must
complete one graded quiz with twenty (20) multiple-choice
questions. This assessment aims to determine the level of
comprehension and mastery of the material covered over the
study duration. Quiz assignments are graded automatically, and
Assessment explanation
the grade is stored in the online grade book. Only one timed
attempt per quiz of thirty minutes (30 minutes) is allowed.
• Written coursework: At the beginning of the last week of the
course, students should start working on the coursework with a
set of questions in any combinations of long- at least two
hundred and fifty (250) words) and/or short-answer (at least
fifty (50) words) and/or multiple-choice formats. This
assessment aims to determine the level of comprehension and
mastery of the material covered over the study period, focusing
on the practical aspects of the course. The deadline to submit
this coursework is always on Sunday at 23:59 (ICT) of the last
week of the course.

Feedback on assessments is delivered within four (4) weeks after

Feedback submission. A written evaluation will be included with each returned
assessment.

The grading rubric applied to all assessments varies between

Grading rubric courses and can be found in each course syllabus.

Assessment Structure

• Status of Good Standing can be achieved by:

o Completing a course with a final score of at least 60%; and
o Maintaining a cumulative average score of at least 70%.
Rules of Progression  A status of Good Standing is required to progress
satisfactorily academically toward graduation.
 The cumulative average score is calculated as the weighted
average of the grade percentages achieved in all completed
courses.

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 • Status of Academic Warning can be applied when:
o Having a cumulative average score of less than 70%.
 Remedial plan: To lift the cumulative average score to at least
70%. Students must improve the cumulative average score by
achieving adequate final scores in the next available courses.
 Academic probation: Students must retake past courses of
choice when a remedial plan is likely unsuccessful. In this case,
Rules of Re-siting are applied (see below).
 Academic dismissal is applied if academic probation cannot
be lifted after the allowed attempts.

Students can have a Fail grade in one (1) course and fail the same
course twice. If they receive a Fail grade three times in a row in the
Rules of Failing
same course, no more retakes are allowed, concluding with a Fail
grade.

Students failing a course will be allowed to retake it. Retakes must

Rules of Re-siting be within four (4) weeks after a formal decision. A fee is applied
unless mitigating circumstances are accepted as a first attempt.

Grading System of The American School of Business Sciences

Grade Percentage Grade Letter Grade Points Description

97.5 – 100 A+ 4.3

92.5 – 97.4 A 4.0 Excellent

90.0 – 92.4 A- 3.7

87.5 – 89.9 B+ 3.3

82.5 – 87.4 B 3.0 Good

80.0 – 82.4 B- 2.7

77.5 – 79.9 C+ 2.3

72.5 – 77.4 C 2.0 Satisfactory

70.0 – 72.4 C- 1.7

67.5 – 69.9 D+ 1.3

62.5 – 67.4 D 1.0 Minimal Pass

60.0 – 62.4 D- 0.7

0.0 – 59.9 F 0 Fail

N/A W N/A Withdrew

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 academic POLICIES

CREDIT HOUR POLICY

The American University of Science awards semester credit hours. For the Advanced Diploma in
English Language program, a four-semester credit hour course requires students to commit
approximately 90 hours to study over twelve (12) weeks. As approximated, it is equivalent to
roughly 7.5 hours each week. The system requires about 30 hours of academic engagement and
60 hours of preparation. Please keep in mind that these are average times determined from the
commonly recognized standards.

Average hours Expected hours

Type Activity
per week per course

Class instruction (F2F) 0.5 6

Academic
Clarify concerns (Online) 1 12
Engagement

Do assignments (Online) 1 12

Total hours of commitment 2.5 30

View next-coming materials 1 12

academic Revise lectures 1 12

Preparation
Prepare for assignments 1 12

Study advanced topics 2 24

Total hours of commitment 5 60

CREDIT TRANSFER

If students intend to earn credit for this course, they should check whether it is approved for
credit transfer before the start date. Generally, one course at The American University of
Science is typically eligible for 7 ECTS in Europe and 14 credits in the UK system. Different
institutions and countries can and will have different outcomes. It is required to obtain a digital
transcript and certificate from verifiable sources to arrange a credit transfer. Please discuss this
matter directly with The American University of Science at academics@american.ac.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Commitment to academic honesty and integrity is critical to The American University of

Science’s goal. Every piece of work submitted for a course must be the student’s own.
Plagiarism is the practice of misrepresenting another person's work or ideas as your own, with
or without their consent, by incorporating them into your work without providing sufficient
acknowledgment. This definition encompasses all published and unpublished content,
regardless of its format. Plagiarism, either deliberate or accidental, is a disciplinary offense
under the assessment standards. The consequences of plagiarism range from receiving a zero

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on the plagiarized assignment to failing the course. Repeated violations of academic integrity
may lead to program termination. Please refer to Chapter 2, Section of Academic Integrity of
AUS Policies, for a complete list of academic integrity violations and their associated sanctions.
Tips on how to avoid plagiarism can also be found there.
All written assessments are run through Turnitin, a plagiarism detection program, before
submission. Turnitin generates a similarity report by comparing the submitted paper to its
database (peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and online resources, among others) and work
authored by other students at various institutions. Students can utilize Turnitin during the
“draft” stage and obtain the Turnitin similarity report before submitting their work for grading.
The similarity report displays a similarity score equal to the percentage of matched resources
found. Students are accountable for the following:
• Become familiar with the definition of plagiarism; and
• Edit the work before the due date if it exceeds the maximum % of allowed matching. If, after
the submission deadline, an assignment demonstrates a percentage of matching that
exceeds the course’s maximum similarity score, the faculty member responsible for the
course will determine whether plagiarism is committed and may elect to grade the work or
the entire course using the relevant Chapter and Section of AUS Policies.

self-assessment

It is strongly recommended that students complete a self-assessment every time completing

a course. A self-assessment report will be used to identify areas where further work may be
required and review students' progress against scheduled plans.

Student Conduct and Etiquette

As a member of The American University of Science community, students are anticipated to

share and adhere to a set of values and expectations regarding academic performance,
behavior, and classroom experience. They should behave professionally, responsibly, and
maturely at all times. The Student Code of Conduct establishes the expectations for student
behavior. This code is not exhaustive, and a student may face disciplinary action for other
behavior or activities that are regarded to be inappropriate or disruptive to The American
University of Science’s goals and mission, as well as the expectation of professionalism in an
online learning environment. If students infringe the Student Code of Conduct, they may face
disciplinary action, including a warning, probation, termination, or permanent dismissal. Please
refer to Chapter 2, Section of the Student Code of Conduct of AUS Policies for a complete list
of actions constituting a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

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 SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Information technology

The ProQuest One Academic features a contemporary study

Library environment and an information assistance service that premium
on electronic resources and delivery. The library maintains a
and
dedicated portal with a large range of electronic resources
Information Services
supporting the program. Students can access the library's website
and the majority of its databases from anywhere in the world.

Students will be issued with an institutional email address that

must be utilized as their primary method of contact in all academic
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY areas and a login account for the subscriptions provided. If
students wish to use a different email address, they must
remember to configure email forwarding.

Orientation Course

All new students accepted into the program are expected to complete an Orientation Course
before beginning their studies. The Student Orientation Course is approximately three hours
long. It includes an introduction to e-learning, time management tips, information on how
coursework and assessments are organized, additional information about the curriculum, the
learning platform, and links to free resources on conducting research and avoiding plagiarism.
Students must complete a final quiz and earn a minimum score of 80% to enroll in the program's
first course.

Opportunities for skills training and development

Students can access a variety of information and training tools to aid in the development of
academic and professional competencies. Further details, together with access and login details
to access various carefully selected online resources, will be provided at the beginning of the
program and periodically updated.

Opportunities to provide evaluation and feedback

Student feedback is taken extremely seriously on all elements of the program. At the conclusion
of each course, students are invited to complete an evaluation survey regarding the course they
took. In addition, students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their success through a
postgraduation survey examining the influence of the degree qualification on their lives.

Student Life and Support

Through the online learning platform, namely Populi, students can get technical and
administrative support. The platform's FAQs section includes answers to the most often
encountered issues that may be resolved quickly through troubleshooting. If the FAQs do not
address a student's inquiry, they may submit it via the Support Form found in the FAQs or the
Course Overview section of each online course room. These queries are forwarded directly to
the Student Support team at studentsupport@american.ac, who will respond within three
(3) business days.

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