This course offers comprehensive guidance and practical experience in academic skills and English proficiency, explored through the lens of language theory, history, philosophy, and the arts. Its primary objective is to advance students' general academic and English abilities to a high standard, focusing on research, writing, critical analysis, group discussion, lecture note-taking, and oral presentation within an academic context.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

(1) Independently research and compose a well-structured academic report in English, complete with appropriate citations.

(2) Deliver a formal academic presentation lasting 10-15 minutes, utilising audio-visual aids effectively.

(3) Engage actively in constructive and critical discussions.

(4) Take clear and effective notes during advanced academic lectures.

Each session for each group will typically involve:

(1) Presenting and clarifying a specific subject within the field of language studies.

(2) Reading and comprehending a selected text.

(3) Participating in discussion related to the topic and text under consideration.

Students will develop advanced academic English skills by investigating contemporary issues relevant to language, chosen from theory, history, philosophy, or the arts. Core texts by influential theorists and other cultural resources will be examined and interpreted within the frameworks of globalisation and the modern world.

Bibliography

Claire Kramsch & H.G. Widdowsom (1998) Language and Culture, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

David Crystal (2011) A Little Book of Language, New haven: Yale University Press.

George Steiner (1998) After Babel - Aspects of Language & Translation, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Paul Ricoeur (2006) On Translation, London: Routledge.

Umberto Eco (2008) Experiences in Translation, Toronto: Toronto University Press.

Ronald Carter & Michael McCarthy (2006) Cambridge Grammar of English, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lynda Mugglestone (2008) The Oxford History of English, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Derek Bickerton (2010) Adam's Tongue: How Humans Made Language, How Language Made Humans, New York: Hill and Wang.

William G. Lycan (2008) Philosophy of Language: A Contemporary Introduction, London: Routledge.

Sherwin Cody (2010) The Art of Writing and Speaking the English Language, General Books LLC.