Current events: debating skills 1.S3.EPC.23

Course Objectives
The objective of the course is for students to collaborate with their colleagues on researching topics that are currently relevant. Critical thinking skills will be used to form the information into for and against style debates and presentations which will incorporate wider class debates. Students will practice presentation techniques, including the use of IT presentation software, improve their public speaking confidence, as well as gain a good deal of practically acquired knowledge on argumentation and debating in a learning-by-doing environment.
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Course Content
The following debating topics are used in the course:
1. Punishment - naming & shaming
2. Neighbours from hell
3. It should be banned!
4. The news - is this news?
5. Political incorrectness
6. Torture
7. Animal rights
8. Language - swearing
9. Addictions
10. The death penalty
11. Immigration and racism
12. Abortion
13. Harrassment
14. Taboo conversation topics
15. Mental health
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Methods of instruction/ forms of classroom activity:
Lead-in discussions, thinking and note-taking, pairwork and groupwork activities, language development work and exercises, PowerPoint presentations, ICT tools - MS Teams

Field of study

English in Public Communication

Student workload

ECTS points in relation to student’s duties: total number of ECTS: 2 1 point ECTS = 30 hours of classes 1 point ECTS = 25 hours of preparation to class and 5hrs of consultations

Study level

BA level studies

Education profile

Full-time studies

Type of course

obligatory courses
foreign languages

The semester in which the subject is carried out

semester 4

Mode

(in Polish) Realizowany w sali

Requirements

Current events: oral communication skills Current events: presentation skills Current events: argumentation skills

Course coordinators

Term 2022/23-L:

Stephen Dewsbury

Term 2024/25-L:

Małgorzata Adams-Tukiendorf
Stephen Dewsbury

Term 2023/24-L:

Małgorzata Adams-Tukiendorf
Stephen Dewsbury

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes acc to PRK 2019:

Knowledge
1. The student knows and understands the role of English as a cognitive means and a tool used for public communication including persuasion (k_W03/P6S_WG)

Skills
2.The student can write an argumentative essay and prepare an elaborate presentation initiating a debate relating to communication studies using formal sources (k_U04/P6S_UK)
3.The student can use English at the level of C1 of the Common European Framework for Languages (k_U05/P6S_UK)
4.The student can take up individual and group activities aimed at developing language skills and intercultural communication skills (k_U08/P6S_UO)

Social competences
5. The student is ready to participate in various forms of cultural life in and engaged and creative way (k_K04/P6S_KO)

Assessment criteria

Forms of evaluation of learning outcomes:

1. Active participation 40% of the final grade (outcome 1,2,3,4,5)
2. Graded presentation which initiates debate 30% of the final grade (outcome 1,2,3,4,5)
3. Balanced Argumentative Essay 30% of the final grade (outcome 1,2,3,4,5)

Criteria of evaluation:
60% = 3
80% = 4
100% = 5

Bibliography

Reading list:
1. MacAndrew, R. & Martinez, R. (2003) Instant Discussions. London & Boston:Thomson Heinle
2. MacAndrew, R. & Martinez, R. (2001) Taboos and Issues. London & Boston:Thomson Heinle
3. Any quality onlline news services.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1.S3.EPC.23 in USOSweb