• A
  • A
  • A
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
Regular version of the site
Bachelor 2019/2020

English Language

Area of studies: Foreign Regional Studies
When: 2 year, 1-3 module
Mode of studies: offline
Instructors: Evgeniya Lubennikova
Language: English
ECTS credits: 6
Contact hours: 104

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The course has been designed for the students of the ‘Economics and Politics in Asia’ BA HSE Double Degree Programme and is aimed at preparing them for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. The course will enable students to develop their academic reading, listening, speaking, writing and debate skills. We will use plenty of authentic and culturally-enriching materials as well as some of the latest IELTS preparation books. This is a blended-learning course, which involves a lot of online and offline (in-class) interaction, training and practice.
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • The course is aimed at preparing students for the IELTS exam. It will enable students to develop their academic reading, listening, speaking, writing as well as test-taking strategies.
Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • predict language; scan information; take notes and complete tables
  • identify the main idea; match headings; write problem and solution essays
  • develop topic-specific vocabulary; expand your ideas using conjunctions and phrases; develop arguments
  • use academic verbs; written and spoken vocabulary; process verbs; describing a process
  • represent data clearly and accurately; identify inaccuracies in writing; develop topic-specific vocabulary; speak more accurately
  • use academic verbs for thoughts and beliefs; use an impersonal style in writing and speaking; collocations for thoughts and beliefs; language for generalizing; writing an opinion essay
  • use structures to compare and contrast; contrast opinions (task 2: opinion essay); linking words
  • develop topic-specific vocabulary; use speculation in your answers; write about hypothetical alternatives; develop a coherent argument (task 2)
Course Contents

Course Contents

  • Lifelong learning
    Intelligence. The nature versus nurture debate. The neuroscience of learning. Time-management. Job satisfaction. The world of work. Multitasking. Line graph description. Bar chart description. Agree/disagree essays.
  • The feel-good factor
    Healthy lifestyle. Antibiotics. Inoculation. Evidence-based versus Alternative medicine. The Placebo effect. Cause and effect/ problem and solution essays. Pie chart description. Mixed graph description.
  • Art and the artist.
    Art and well-being. Art as a school subject. Art forms. Art and technology. Modern and ancient architecture. Discussion essay. Agree/ disagree essay. The Cultural Preservation Versus Diversity Debate.
  • A world of change.
    Social problems facing humanity. Urbanization. Haves and have-nots. Consumer society. Transport. Immigration. Infrastructures. Bar charts. The wealth redistribution Versus Self-reliance Debate
  • Our relationship with nature.
    The animal world. Recycling. Environmental protection. Renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Alternative energy. Natural processes and cycle description. The Environment Versus Economy Debate.
  • IT society.
    Surveillance technology. Artificial Intelligence. Research and development. IT crime. Education and technology. Advantages and disadvantages essay. Bar charts. The Security Versus Freedom Debate.
  • Law and order.
    The criminal brain. Crime scene investigation. Risk-taking and risk-averse society. Advantages and disadvantages essay. The death penalty debate.
  • Space exploration.
    Across the Universe. The future of scientific progress.
Assessment Elements

Assessment Elements

  • non-blocking Cumulative Grade Module 1
  • non-blocking Cumulative Grade Module 2
  • non-blocking Cumulative grade Module 3
  • non-blocking Final test
    This is a written exam conducted in Zoom by the link https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6128438728. The students should get to the exam room 5 minutes in advance. The students should be able to switch on their cameras and microphones during the exam when asked to do so. It is prohibited to use any resources other than the exam material. During the exam the students are allowed to ask the examiner questions in the chat. If some students experience problems with the Internet connection, they should notify the instructor immediately by email and the problem will be addressed accordingly. Short-term connection issues account for 5 minutes, while long-term connection issues account for a period longer than 5 minutes. The student will be able to re-sit the exam in September. The format will be the same.
Interim Assessment

Interim Assessment

  • Interim assessment (3 module)
    0.2 * Cumulative Grade Module 1 + 0.2 * Cumulative Grade Module 2 + 0.2 * Cumulative grade Module 3 + 0.4 * Final test
Bibliography

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

  • Crews-Anderson, T. A. (2007). Critical Thinking and Informal Logic. Tirril, Penrith: Humanities-Ebooks. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=373337

Recommended Additional Bibliography

  • Bailey, S. (2015). Academic Writing : A Handbook for International Students (Vol. Fourth edition). Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=862062