OVERVIEW

The workshop provides a basic knowledge of English writing and reading by bringing students' competence to an "upper-intermediate" level. It focusses on the language of Anglophone texts relating to popular music and film. Students will improve their proficiency in English by studying and writing web-based journalism and blogs. They will also develop their skills in critical reading by responding to English-language journalism and by exploring different strategies of effective communication.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing a basic knowledge of English writing and reading, by bringing students' competence to an "upper-intermediate" level. Particularly, it will focus on the language of Anglophone medias, stimulating a critical approach in reading.

LEARNING OUTCOMES (FURTHER INFO)

Upon completion of the course students will have experience of writing and giving presentations in English on a number of topics in popular culture. They will also have become acquainted with some important aspects of the history of music and film in postwar Britain.

TEACHING METHODS

Combination of traditional lectures and tutorials.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will centre around print and web-based music and film journals, blogs, as well as the writings of notable journalists and musicians such as Paul Morley and Dave Haslam (see reading list). Students will analyse these texts, and write and prepare their own work in response to them. Students will: develop their English language skills to ‘upper-intermediate level’; learn how to work together on group projects; develop skills in critical reading and analysis of English-language texts in a variety of different media.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Michael Bracewell. The Nineties: When Surface was Depth (London: Flamingo, 2002)

Haslam, Dave. Manchester, England: The Story of the Pop Cult City (London: Fourth Estate, 2000)

Morley, Paul. ‘Introduction’, in Kevin Cumming, Manchester: Looking for Light in the Pouring Rain (London: Faber & Faber, 2012)

John Robb. The North Will Rise Again: Manchester, Music City (London: Aurum Press, 2010)

Music journals: Pitchfork (pitchfork.com), The Quietus (thequietus.com)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANIRUDHA DHANAWADE (President)

GABRIELLA PETTI (President)

FEDERICO RAHOLA (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

March

Class schedule

WRITING WORKSHOP (ENGLISH)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Over the duration of the course students will compile a portfolio of music and film journalism on the film and music of their choice (each piece to be 750-1000 words).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Class participation and group presentations in class

Exam schedule