Introduction to classes and explanation of aims
13 Fevereiro 2017, 12:00 • David Alan Prescott
1. Aims of Course
The overall aim of this semester unit will be to practise and assess skills in the area of analysis and production of English of a high standard, with specific classes aimed at the language of the modern media and its role in the world as one of the themes. Particular attention will be paid to the way that English has changed and developed through the influence of the print and broadcasting media and how media English has influenced other languages. Equally, as it is extremely common for students of English even at this high level to be baffled at the English used in newspapers, one of the aims will be to teach the style of the language used in the press
2. Length of Course
The length of the course will be about 50 plus hours.
3. Assessment
Assessment will be based on two elements: one written work in class, usually referred to as a test paper, and the second element, which is presence and participation in classroom activity. In the case of lack of satisfaction in the written exercise in class, there will be the opportunity for a second paper to be written in class.
4. Bibliography and Dictionaries
A workbook available in the form of photocopies.
Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language
The following is a list of works which may be useful in the fields of writing in terms of style, punctuation and presentation.
BLAMIRES, Harry, (2000). The Penguin Guide to Plain English. Penguin, UK
CAREY, G.V., (1939). Mind the Stop: A brief guide to punctuation. Penguin, UK
KANE, Thomas S., (1988). The Oxford Essential Guide to Writing. Berkley, USA
ROBERTS, P.D., (1987). Plain English. A User's Guide. Penguin, UK
STRUNK JR., W. & WHITE, E.B., (2000). The Elements of Style. Allen & Bacon, USA
TRUSS, Lynne, (2003). Eats, Shoots and Leaves. Profile Books, UK
5. Useful Websites
The following are websites of some interest in the field of the Media worldwide: