- Docente: Anthony Dion Mitzel
- Credits: 5
- SSD: L-LIN/12
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Forli
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Intercultural and Linguistic Mediation (cod. 8059)
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to understand and produce a wide range of written texts and converse on issues, spontaneously and fluently in English.
Course contents
Language and Culture
The Language and Culture module will focus on Contemporary Issues in the United States with regards to:
- Memes and their effect on communication
- US political discourse
- Humor
- stereotypes and taboos
Students will also work on understanding both diachronically and synchronically of how humor is used in discourse ranging from the culture of the United States of America, politics, society and taboo subject matter.
Readings/Bibliography
A specific bibliography will be provided during the course.
Teaching methods
The course will blend theory and praxis therefore one class a week will be dedicated to traditional lectures on past and current theortical concepts while the second class will be a more practical, "hands on" approach utilizing audiovisuals and group work with open class discussions/debates and presentations.
*Due to the current SARS-COV-19 global pandemic, teaching methods are subject to change.
Assessment methods
Throughout the course students will be asked to write short essays relevant to material discussed in class.
The end of semester Language and Culture exam comprises a written (50%) and oral (50%) test.
Students are required to attend a minimun of 70% of total classes while those unable to attend due to Erasmus/study abroad must contact Prof. Mitzel ahead of time and keep up to date with material shared on the course's IOL page if they intend to sit the L&C exam in the following semester.
*Due to the current SARS-COV-19 global pandemic, assesment methods are subject to change.
Teaching tools
Course specific PPT presentations, films/documentaries, websites, and social media applications. Assignments and activities will be carried out both in class and at home with a focus on enriching students' grasp and mastering the relevance of modern digital age communication.
Most if not all printed and audiovisual material used in class, as well as resources for the specific topics tackled in class, will be made available on the Virtuale-IOL e-learning site.
Links to further information
https://virtuale.unibo.it/course/view.php?id=15116
Office hours
See the website of Anthony Dion Mitzel
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.