English: Language and Culture

Recommended Prerequisites

At least 80 ECTS in English.
C1 level of English (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Teaching Methods

Teaching is task-based rather than expository, and participants are expected to engage actively with a variety of analytical
asks followed by feedback and discussion. Class interaction takes place principally through pair-work and group-work in which participants are encouraged to formulate inductively their understanding of the English grammar and culture. Active participation in class is expected through prior preparation of class material, and, for this reason, participants are regularly set small-scale research assignments for class presentations.

Learning Outcomes

Focusing on the teaching of English and English-language cultures, this course aims to develop students’ language and culture awareness by exploring topics considered to be essential for prospective teachers of English. Thus, students will
1. Be able to analyse the English language from a pedagogic perspective;
2. Deepen their knowledge of the structure and use of English;
3. Be able to identify and provide appropriate feedback on common learner errors;
4. Use English grammars and dictionaries more effectively;
5. Deepen their understanding of the concept of culture and its relation to language teaching and learning;
6. Be able to explore cultural topics and make a critical analysis of the ways in which they are addressed in textbooks;
7. Be able to contextualize cultural topics and include them in lessons for different levels of language proficiency;
8. Use different methods and criteria for selecting original lesson materials.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Critical areas in English language teaching:
a. Grammar: approaches and methods;
b. Critical areas in English grammar;
c. Identifying and providing pedagogic feedback on errors;
d. Using pedagogic resoruces: grammars, dictionaires and corpora.
2. Topics in English-language cultures:
a. The concept of culture and its application in teaching;
b. Analysis and discussion of cultural topics and approaches included in textbooks;
e. Methods and criteria for selecting original teaching materials;
d. Contextualization and treatment of materials.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria José Florentino Mendes Canelo

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Oral presentation of project work followed by student-seminar discussion: 40.0%
Project: 60.0%

Bibliography

1.
Cowan, R. (2008). The Teacher's Grammar of English with Answers. Cambridge:CUP
Craig T., Thornbury, S. (2020). Off the Page. Activities to Bring Lessons Alive and Enhance Learning. Cambridge:CUP
Harmer, J. (2010). How to Teach English. Harlow: Pearson Longman
Scrivener, J. (2010). Teaching English Grammar. London: Macmillan Education
Thornbury, S. (2000). How to Teach Grammar. Harlow: Pearson Education
Thornbury, S. (2001). Uncovering Grammar. Oxford: Macmillan Education
Timmis, Ivor (2015). Corpus Linguistics for ELT: Research and Practice. London: Routledge.

2.
Burgett, B., Hendler, G. (Eds.) (2014). Keywords for American Studies. New York: NYUP
Byram, M. & Grundy, P. (2002). Context and Culture in Language Teaching and Learning. Sydney: Multilingual Matters Publishing
Giles, J., & Middleton, T. (2004). Studying Culture. A Practical Introduction. Malden: Blackwell.
Hall, S. (Ed.) (2010). Representation. Cultural representations and signifying practices. London: Sage
Rudnick, L. P., Smith, J.E., & Rubin, R.L. (Eds.) (2006). American Identities. An Introductory Textbook. Malden: Blackwell.