Current events: debating skills

studia pierwszego stopnia

English in Public Communication

semestr 4

Studia stacjonarne

języki obce
obowiązkowe

Realizowany w sali

Current events: oral communication skills

Current events: presentation skills

Current events: argumentation skills

ECTS points in relation to student’s duties:

total number of ECTS: 2

1 point ECTS = 30 hours of classes

1 point ECTS = 25 hours of preparation to class and 5hrs of consultations

Course description

The course offers an opportunity to develop the skills and work completed in Current Events: Argumentation Skills whereby students integrate their argumentation skills into more formal group and class debates. Students will collaborate with their colleagues in research on current events which will be critically thought through and formed into debate style presentations. Students are expected to manage a C1 level of proficiency in their oral communication.

Course Objectives

The objective of the course is for students to collaborate with their colleagues on researching topics that are currently relevant. Critical thinking skills will be used to form the information into for and against style debates and presentations which will incorporate wider class debates. Students will practice presentation techniques, including the use of IT presentation software, improve their public speaking confidence, as well as gain a good deal of practically acquired knowledge on argumentation and debating in a learning-by-doing environment.

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Course Content

The following debating topics are used in the course:

1. Punishment - naming & shaming

2. Neighbours from hell

3. It should be banned!

4. The news - is this news?

5. Political incorrectness

6. Torture

7. Animal rights

8. Language - swearing

9. Addictions

10. The death penalty

11. Immigration and racism

12. Abortion

13. Harrassment

14. Taboo conversation topics

15. Mental health

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Methods of instruction/ forms of classroom activity:

Lead-in discussions, thinking and note-taking, pairwork and groupwork activities, language development work and exercises, PowerPoint presentations, ICT tools - MS Teams

Reading list:

1. MacAndrew, R. & Martinez, R. (2003) Instant Discussions. London & Boston:Thomson Heinle

2. MacAndrew, R. & Martinez, R. (2001) Taboos and Issues. London & Boston:Thomson Heinle

3. Any quality onlline news services.

Learning outcomes acc to PRK 2019:

Knowledge

1. The student knows and understands the role of English as a cognitive means and a tool used for public communication including persuasion (k_W03/P6S_WG)

Skills

2.The student can write an argumentative essay and prepare an elaborate presentation initiating a debate relating to communication studies using formal sources (k_U04/P6S_UK)

3.The student can use English at the level of C1 of the Common European Framework for Languages (k_U05/P6S_UK)

4.The student can take up individual and group activities aimed at developing language skills and intercultural communication skills (k_U08/P6S_UO)

Social competences

5. The student is ready to participate in various forms of cultural life in and engaged and creative way (k_K04/P6S_KO)

Forms of evaluation of learning outcomes:

1. Active participation 40% of the final grade (outcome 1,2,3,4,5)

2. Graded presentation which initiates debate 30% of the final grade (outcome 1,2,3,4,5)

3. Balanced Argumentative Essay 30% of the final grade (outcome 1,2,3,4,5)

Criteria of evaluation:

60% = 3

80% = 4

100% = 5