Course Unit
English C1.1 / TP6 |
Semester
1st semester - 2021/2022 |
Instructor
Rui Vitorino Azevedo |
Language of instruction
English |
Course description
The aim of this C1.1 English class is to develop students’ reading, writing and oral expression skills in several scenarios. Thus, the objectives and competencies to be acquired are: understand extended speech and factual or literary texts; speak fluently and effectively; and write clear, well-structured texts including the academic essay. To achieve these objectives, the focus will be on reviewing some of the fundamentals of language at the advanced level in order for students to obtain more accuracy. Particular emphasis will also be given to developing analytical reading and writing skills, along with vocabulary acquisition. By the end of the course, students should be able to:
In order to achieve the above-mentioned learning outcomes, this course will focus on reading and discussing several contemporary American literary texts with a particular emphasis on examining the formation of identity. In so doing, we will investigate the concepts of race, class, gender and sexuality in those texts. Although we will work mostly on examining short stories, there will also be two novels where some of the questions we will discuss include: How do we invent our own identities? How is identity and gender constructed in these specific literary texts? How do we explain the meaning of masculinity and femininity? What role do race, class and gender play in these texts? In addition to these readings, we will also look at different articles/topics/films which will always serve as a basis for class debate. Although some language aspects i.e. grammar need to be covered, the focus will be on academic writing, such as the essay and there will also be a creative writing assignment. Students will also be asked to give a ten-minute presentation on a topic picked by the instructor. Tasks will be varied and demanding; therefore, students should be prepared to think and work hard. Grading and Assessment
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