Introduction Class

18 Setembro 2018, 10:00 • David Alan Prescott

Class on the aims and intentions of the subject, all of which are listed in the workbook, but are repeated here:

1. Aims of Course

 

The overall aim of this semester unit in English B2.1 will be to allow students to show that they are of the standard required to pass to the level of B2.2, both in terms of the English language and in terms of the cultural reality surrounding it.

 

An underlying element of this course will be to make students familiar with the many aspects of life in the United Kingdom that are so different to those in the rest of the world, and which still cause confusion today at all levels. Particular classes are given on these issues.

 

The textual analysis will lead to oral and written work of relevance. This analysis should not only be receptive; thus there will be the presenting of some help towards students adopting a critical approach towards the texts chosen, as well as teaching around the matters contained in the excerpts for discussion.

 

2. Specific Approach

 

Classroom activity will be centred on textual analysis and discussion, preparing and writing an essay and a comprehension or project, and grammar teaching on matters arising. The texts for discussion will be centred upon a current theme or subjects of interest so that students may wish to contribute as the issues involved are of some relevance. The theme material this semester will involve the current culture clashes in Western society.

 

3. Length of Course

 

The length of the course will be between 50 and 60 teaching hours.

 

4. 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. Please, if possible, write your tests on a laptop, printing and stapling the test at the end.

 

Except for the cases of working students, who should inform me of their situation in advance, irregular attendance will lead to a negative mark. Under no circumstances will it be possible to simply do one test and pass the semester. Working students should acquire this anthology and remain in touch with the issues covered during the semester.

 

5. Bibliography and Dictionaries

 

A workbook available in the form of photocopies;

Any and as many as possible Eng-Port /Port-Eng Dictionaries;

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

SWAN, MICHAEL, (2005). Practical English Usage, OUP, UK

TRUSS, Lynne, (2003). Eats, Shoots and Leaves. Profile Books, UK