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:

  • understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics.
  • interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
  • produce clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects.

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 

Grades are determined primarily by student performance on two written tests (one on grammar and the other on the short stories), one oral presentation, a creative writing project, and an essay. Several written/homework assignments will be given throughout the semester; however, you will not be graded on these. They will simply serve as extra practice for you to improve and develop your writing skills. For borderline grades, your active participation in class discussion and attendance will also count. As you are aware, attendance is also mandatory meaning that if you cannot come to class, you must contact me as soon as possible and justify your absence.

ASSIGNMENTS 

Assignments must be handed in ON TIME. Otherwise, they will be marked as ‘Late’ and I will take off one point for each day that they are late. After five days late you will be given a zero.

GRADE PERCENTAGES

Written test 1: 12.5%

Written test 2: 12.5%

Oral presentation: 25%

Creative writing project: 25%

Essay: 25%

Written assignments/Homework: 0%

Readings (selection)

Bohjalian, Chris. Hour of the Witch: A Novel. Doubleday, 2021.

Jackson, Shirley. We Have Always Lived in the Castle. New York: Penguin Books, 2006. 

Lester, Mark. Practice Makes Perfect: Advanced English Grammar for ESL Learners, Second Edition. 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.

Pitlor, Heidi, and Curtis Sittenfeld. Best American Short Stories 2020 (The Best American Series ®). Best American Paper, 2020.

Wilson, Wendy, and James Barlow. Advanced English Grammar: The Superior English Grammar Guide Packed With Easy to Understand Examples, Practice Exercises and Brain Challenges (SMART ENGLISH). Independently published, 2021.