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Culminating assessment covering both conceptual knowledge and applied analytical skills from the entire course
Write your Funal Essay on the issue of «Parallels and Contrasts»
A written comparative analysis (800-1000 words). Draw at least one clear parallel AND one contrast between English-Speaking countries.
Topics to choose from:
National Symbols (floral and animalistic)
Indigenous Cultures (compare their status)
Environmental Branding (policies, images and challenges)
Multiculturalism (policies, languages and cultures)
Do the Final Project “Archisemes, toponyms and their linguistic traces”, follow the link to present your project on the shared board
Do the Final Project “Archisemes, toponyms and their linguistic traces”
Topics for projects:
1) Island ecosystems: "Australian 'Island Continent' vs. British 'Island Nation'"
Task: Analyze how the island position has shaped linguistic concepts in Australia (as an island continent) and Great Britain (as an island state).
Aspects for analysis:
• Maritime vocabulary and metaphors ("ship of state", "island fortress")
• Concepts of isolation and uniqueness ("Down Under", "Fortress Britain")
• Attitudes towards migration and borders in linguistic constructions
• Myths about island origin in literature
2) Forest ecosystems: "New Zealand 'Native Bush' vs. Canadian 'Boreal Forest'"
Task: Explore how forest ecosystems have influenced the English language in New Zealand (native bush) and Canada (boreal forest/taiga).
Aspects for analysis:
• Terminology for woodlands ("bush", "forest", "woods", "taiga")
• Borrowings from Maori vs. French and indigenous languages of Canada
• Concepts of nature conservation in language ("old-growth", "native", "conservation")
• Forest in national identity ("kiwi bush" vs. "Canadian wilderness")
3) River ecosystems: "Australian 'River Systems' (Murray-Darling) vs. American 'Great Rivers' (Mississippi)"
Task: Analyze how large river systems have affected regional English in Australia and the United States.
Aspects for analysis:
• Hydrographic terminology ("billabong", "anabranch", "oxbow" vs. "bayou", "levee", "tributary")
• Why is the Australian Murray River called compared to the American Mississippi?
• The river as a transport artery and a metaphor of time/life
• Environmental issues and their reflection in language ("through", "water rights", "salination")
4) Agricultural landscapes: "New Zealand 'Sheep Station' vs. Australian 'Cattle Station' vs. American 'Ranch'"
Task: Compare terminology related to large agricultural lands in three English-speaking countries.
Aspects for analysis:
• Differences in terms ("station", "ranch", "farm", "property")
• Borrowings (Spanish "ranch" vs. English "station")
• Concepts of land ownership and space
• The concept of "cowboy/cattleman" in the national consciousness
Upon completion of the Final Exam, go to Reflection and Feedback
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