Introduction Class

29 Janeiro 2019, 12:00 • David Alan Prescott

Introduction and explanation of aims etc.:

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.

Please, when this is possible, write your test on a laptop and print it out at the end of the test. During the tests you can consult anything you like.

 

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