Teacher: Gaile Parkin

email: gaileparkin@letras.ulisboa.pt


Course Description

In accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for English level C1, this C1.2 course completes the programme begun in the C1.1 course, developing students’ competence in: understanding a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognising implicit meaning; expressing themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; using language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; and producing clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing a controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Using the theme of Comedy (satirical essays, farce, romcoms, sitcoms, stand-up, etc.), as well as theories and the history of the comedic genre, the course focuses on:

  • ·         Reading, exploring and analyzing a range of comedic pieces
  • ·         Speaking about, discussing and presenting topics relevant to the theme
  • ·         Writing analyses, opinion pieces and essays
  • ·         Academic English, with particular reference to the structural elements of the comparative essay and to citing correctly using the Chicago Manual of Style
  • ·         Grammar, with particular reference to preparing for the Language in Use paper of the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam. 

Grading and Evaluation

In accordance with the regulations of the Faculty, evaluation takes place continuously throughout the semester. The course has 4 points of formal evaluation, each with equal weighting:

  • ·         An essay written in class (25%)
  • ·         An essay written at home (25%)
  • ·         A grammar test written in class (25%)
  • ·         An individual oral presentation recorded on video and defended live in class (25%)

 Bibliography

*  C1.2 Coursebook (a collection of essays, articles and stories on the theme of Comedy, compiled by Gaile Parkin)

*  Fielding, Helen. Bridget Jones’s Diary (any edition)

*  Hornby, Nick. High Fidelity (any edition)

*  Wodehouse, PG. Carry on, Jeeves (any edition)

*  Murphy, Raymond. English Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012.

·Students are expected to have access to a good English dictionary (physical or electronic).