Language variation

2023/2024

Type: Mago-Lego

Delivered by: Department of Foreign Languages

When: 3 module

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Natalia V. Ursul

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Contact hours: 36

Full Syllabus

Abstract

The course has been designed for students who are interested in language variation and change. All languages vary internally in accordance with a range of parameters including the gender, age, social class, occupation, origins etc. of their speakers. Moreover, most languages have distinct regional and social varieties. They also vary according to the contexts in which they are used and the purposes for which they are employed. All living languages constantly change over time in response to innovations introduced by younger generations, technological change or contact with other languages or with other varieties of the same language. The course is practice-oriented, and the students will not only improve their English, but also develop their communicative skills within different social, cultural and professional settings.

Learning Objectives

to build communicative skills necessary within different social, cultural and professional settings
to develop effective listening/critical reading skills
to develop effective oral skills in academic and professional settings
to develop/improve presentation skills
to improve academic and professional writing skills
to improve intercultural communication skills

Expected Learning Outcomes

The students will develop skills necessary within different social, cultural and professional settings
The students will develop effective listening/critical reading skills
The students will develop effective oral skills in academic and professional setting
The students will develop/improve presentation skills
The students will develop/improve academic and professional writing skills
The students will develop intercultural communication skills in academic and professional settings

Course Contents

1.1 Professional Communication: Introduction
1.2 Nature of Language: Universals and Variation
1.3 Regional Language Variation
1.4 Words and Culture
1.5 Understanding Media and Culture
1.6 Intercultural Communication
1.7 Non-verbal Communication
1.8 Building Effective (Academic) Oral Skills
1.9 Test
2.1 Intercultural Competence
2.2 Professional Networking and Communication
2.3 Business and Official Correspondence
2.4 Writing Effective CVs and Covering Letters
2.5 Job Interview
2.6 Language Persuasive Techniques
2.7 How Different is Different (online game)
2.8 Project Presentation 1
2.9 Project Presentation 2

Assessment Elements

Test/quizzes
Classroom interaction/homework
Project Presentation (oral and/or written report)

Interim Assessment

2023/2024 3rd module
0.3 * Classroom interaction/homework + 0.4 * Project Presentation (oral and/or written report) + 0.3 * Test/quizzes

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Academic writing : a handbook for international students, Bailey, S., 2011

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Intercultural communication : a practical guide, Novinger, T., 2001
Intercultural communication, , 2017
Strategic public relations management : planning and managing effective communication programs, Austin, E. W., 2001

Course Syllabus