Развитие мягких навыков через английский язык: как мыслить критически и уметь адаптироваться

2026/2027

Статус: Факультатив

Кто читает: Школа иностранных языков

Где читается: Факультет гуманитарных наук

Когда читается: 3, 4 модуль

Охват аудитории: для своего кампуса

Язык: английский

Кредиты: 5

Контактные часы: 80

Full Syllabus Ask Question

Abstract

In order to survive in today’s “info-loaded” and diversified world, one is required to think critically and break free from the familiar routines to adapt to new circumstances. Sadly, no one is born with these skills. Yet, they can be developed and, luckily, we know how to do that! This semester we offer a brand-new online course «Soft skills through English: how to think critically and adapt to changes» that will help you sharpen their critical thinking skills and exercise adaptability. Throughout the course, you will discuss some of the most controversial topics such as the death penalty and ethical norms in video games, to name but a few. You will watch thought-provoking documentaries and gripping episodes of award-winning TV series. You will learn how to structure a persuasive argument to win debates, how to select reliable and credible information sources, and how to adjust to an unexpectedly changed situation. Apart from that, you will definitely have a whale of a time! The final grade consists of the following elements: 0.1 for attendance, 0.1 for the English Grammar and Vocabulary Test, 0.1 for the home assignment, 0.2 for the written assessment, 0.2 for the oral assessment, and 0.3 for the final assessment. There are no blocking elements.

Learning Objectives

This course is aimed at helping students develop their critical thinking skills and adaptability in an academic environment through English.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Apply argumentation and critical thinking to real world problems and issues
Assess a situation from various perspectives; evaluate alternative solutions; and choose the optimal response
Disengage from an unattainable goal and re-engage in a feasible, alternative goal
Evaluate the reliability and credibility of information sources; the relevance of information itself
Identify and then establish cause-effect relations in arguments
Identify types of argument; cases of bias within arguments
Override the inclination to adopt a familiar pattern
Reject conclusions that may seem believable but are not logical
Select persuasive and logically correct argumentation
Structure an effective argument (claim, reason, evidence) in both written and oral forms
To expand lexical and grammatical repertoire

Course Contents

The World
The Arts
Health / Medicine
Justice

Assessment Elements

Attendance
English Grammar and Vocabulary Test
Students take English Grammar and Vocabulary Test in class.
Home Assignment
HA includes oral and/or written tasks that are assigned to students for independent completion and submission. Students do the tasks at home and either turn them in to their teachers or submit them via Smart LMS for grading.
Written Assessment (WA)
WA consists of minimum 4 tasks of different types, including interim ones. WA includes reading, listening, an argument and a review. WA refers to written tasks that students complete in class.
Oral Assessment (OA)
OA consists of minimum 3 tasks of different types, including interim ones (for example, a dialogue in a form of debates and a presentartion) that students do in class.
Final Assessment (FA)
The final assessment includes a dialogue (in the form of a debate).

Interim Assessment

2026/2027 4th module
0.3 * Final Assessment (FA) + 0.1 * English Grammar and Vocabulary Test + 0.2 * Oral Assessment (OA) + 0.2 * Written Assessment (WA) + 0.1 * Home Assignment + 0.1 * Attendance

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Cottrell, S. (2011). Critical Thinking Skills : Developing Effective Analysis and Argument. [N.p.]: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1525114
Mastering English through Global Debate, , 2019

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Critical thinking : a concise guide, Bowell, T., 2003
Стогниева, О. Н. Английский язык: Гибкие навыки для успешной карьеры = Business English: Soft Skills for Career Success : учебник / О. Н. Стогниева, Е. В. Габриелова. — Москва : ФЛИНТА, 2026. — 245 с. — ISBN 978-5-9765-5834-2. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/505946 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.

Authors

Kudinova Nataliya Aleksandrovna
Chanturidze Iuliia Mikhailovna

Course Syllabus