Department of Applied Language Studies | Short Courses
LANGUAGE RULES 
Short Learning Programme (SLP)
About this course
Effective writing in English requires the correct application of the language rules that govern it - ensuring your writing is correctly understood. The Language Rules SLP provides you with an exciting opportunity to learn English grammar and improve the way you write.
This short course aims to address the need for having to know and apply appropriate language rules by teaching English grammar in an exciting and welcoming manner, and then further supporting their use with practical reading and writing applications.
Who should attend?
The course is ideal for those who wish to improve their general writing style and refresh any knowledge of English grammar. If your usage of English in professional contexts needs to improve, be it academic writing and university assignments or general written communication in your job, then this course will give you the vital foundations to accomplish your writing goals.
How will this course help you?
Language Rules will inform your application of English grammar and improve the way you write, making your communication more effective, formal and professional.
What will you learn?
Learning Outcomes
A delegate of this course should be able to:
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apply basic grammar rules in the daily writing activities required in the workplace;
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identify how sentences are constructed and the role of different words in them;
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understand the rules that apply when one is writing in direct speech, then converting to reported speech;
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encourage reading as a habit to embed one’s self in language applications; and,
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practise process writing as a means of language learning.
Content/Modules/Units
The following will be covered in this course:
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Parts of Speech
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The Construction of Sentences
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Punctuation Rules
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Rules for Direct Speech
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Rules for Indirect Speech
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Verb Tense Agreement
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Common Language Errors
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Process Writing
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Integrating Reading & Writing as Language Development Tools
How will this course be taught?
This course will be taught using face-to-face instruction and self-paced learning (readings, tasks and activities, and online/home-based learning). You will be welcomed into a small group of delegates and taught by a qualified and experienced facilitator.
The face-to-face sessions will be interactive and the facilitator will engage with all delegates. Group numbers will be kept to a minimum to ensure increased delegate engagement during facilitation. The facilitator will utilise the face-to-face sessions to present the course content and interact with you by completing class-based activities and tasks that will apply your knowledge.
Depending on the delivery mode of this course, you might also be given access to our online learning platform so that you have access to course resources and be able to complete certain activities.
The language of teaching and learning (LOTL) of this course will be English.
How will you be assessed?
This SLP will be assessed via the completion of assignments and the writing of a test.
Learning Support
Your learning will be supported by a qualified and experienced facilitator. A dedicated administrative assistant will be assigned to assist you with any administrative matters. A tutor will be assigned when group numbers are high and the facilitator requires assistance in supporting your learning.
How will this course be delivered?
This course can be offered in the following modes of delivery:
Mode A: Part-time
Duration: 4 weeks, part-time (2 weekday evening face-to-face sessions [17:30-19:30] weekly)
Requires 5 hours weekly: 2 x 2-hour face-to-face session* + 1 hour self-paced learning
Mode C: Full-time
Duration: 3 days, full-time (consecutive weekdays, 9:00-15:00)
Requires 20 hours of teaching and learning: 16 hours of face-to-face facilitation* (over 3 days) + 4 hours self-paced learning
*Face-to-face sessions will be offered at one of the Port Elizabeth campuses unless arranged otherwise and stated explicitly.
Kindly check the provisional schedule to see if this course will be offered soon and the applicable mode of delivery. If this course is not included in the schedule, you are still encouraged to apply.
Course Fee and Payment Details
The course fee is based on the mode of delivery:
R3250* - Mode A - Part-time
R3700* - Mode C (light lunches and refreshments included)
*This is an estimate and is based on delivery at one of the University Port Elizabeth campuses.
You may pay for this course via the following methods:
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Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
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Payment at the University cashiers
Kindly wait for provisional acceptance and a reference number before paying for this course.
Admission Requirements
A delegate:
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has to be older than 16;
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has to be able to communicate in the language of teaching and learning (LOTL) of this course; and,
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should have completed a relevant level of education deemed suitable for entry into this course (usually a high school qualification).
No prior knowledge is required for entry into this course.
Course Completion Requirements
In order to complete this course successfully, delegates have to attend the face-to-face sessions, complete assigned activities, and complete and submit the final course assessment.
Certificate
This course has been accredited by the Unit of Continuing Education of the University in accordance with the regulations of the Council of Higher Education (CHE), South Africa.
Upon meeting the requirements and successfully completing this course, you will be awarded a Certificate issued by Nelson Mandela University.
Delegates who complete their courses online or via distance learning (where applicable) will receive both a digital and hardcopy of their certificates.
A certificate of completion will be awarded to delegates who attended the course and completed the final assessment.
A certificate of attendance will be awarded to delegates who attended at least 70% of the total notional hours of the course but did not complete the final assessment.
Suggested study path
Should you wish to study more than one DALS short course, then we recommend that you complete the following:
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Language Rules
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Business Writing
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Report Writing
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Professional Presentations
How to Apply
If you would like to apply, then simply check when this course might be scheduled for delivery and then click on the APPLY link.
If there is an upcoming scheduled offering and sufficient delegates have applied and been provisionally accepted, and your application is also successful, then you will receive a confirmation to pay and register for the course.
You will be required to pay the course fee within 5 business days of being provisionally accepted.
The DALS SLP payment and cancellation policy applies.
You may also submit an enquiry with your expression of interest. Should an opportunity arise, then you will be invited to apply.
Provisional Schedule
Kindly visit the SCHEDULE to see if this course will be offered soon.
If this course does not appear on the schedule, you are still encouraged to apply as it will be offered once the minimum number of delegates have been provisionally accepted and have confirmed their registration.
Applying and being provisionally accepted will reserve your space in one of our face-to-face groups.
Companies or organisations sending private groups (of at least 10 delegates in a single group) are not subjected to the provisional schedule. Special arrangements will be made for corporate registrations.
Other courses you might be interested in
You might be interested in the following courses:
See all the DALS Short Courses here.