This course explores the wider cultural and civilisation-oriented context within which English as an International Language is taught and learnt. It provides students with the opportunity to examine various themes related to the relationships between the English language and its teaching with wider cultural factors, backgrounds and settings, to the role of cultural and civilisation-oriented influences in the design and delivery of English language curricula and in the classroom and to the importance of cultural motivators in English language learning. Specific topics include:
• What is ‘culture’ (“High C” –v- “Low C”);
• The language, civilisation and culture of the Anglophone world: history and history of its teaching;
• Culture as ‘the fifth skill’ after speaking, writing, listening and reading;
• Relating linguistic and communicative competence to cultural competence;
• Understanding and managing ethnocentricity within English Language curricular design, delivery, materials selection and evaluation;
• Perceiving, recognising, accepting, appreciating and valuing cultural differences within the English Language classroom;
• Separating & integrating lexico-syntactic and cultural material in an English Language class;
• Cultural assimilation –v- functional literacy as motivators in English Language learning;
• The status of ‘Englishes’ as taught and studied subjects within ASEAN.
Students will be evaluated on the basis of the content and quality of:
(i) 2 extended essays they will be required to produce on specific subjects related to the topics above (to be chosen in conjunction with the course lecturer);
(ii) 2 presentations they will be expected to deliver concerning specific aspects of the topics above (to be chosen in conjunction with the course lecturer);
(iii) A dissertation concerning a specific aspect of the topics above (to be chosen in conjunction with the course lecturer);
(iv) Their attendance (a minimum attendance record of 85% is required for students to pass).
Duration of course: 1 semester.
Timetable: To be announced.
Bibliography: Students will be sent details of recommended texts (in hard copy and online formats). They are also expected to be proactive in undertaking Internet research into (and thus in familiarising themselves with) online sources and authorities in the topics referred to above.