Course aims:

Definition, description and explanation of key concepts, theories, methods specific to the study of English;
Using concepts specific to the field in order to explain the fundamental linguistic phenomena specific to the field;
Application of principles, basic rules for understanding a written / oral or to express in writing/ orally in an appropriate manner, respectively, taking into account all elements involved (linguistic, socio-linguistic, pragmatic, semantic, and stylistic).

Course Entry Requirements:

-

Course contents:

Unit 1 - Introductory Course Unit 2 - Historical perpectives: Unit 3 - Multicultural America Unit 4 - Family Life Unit 5 - Gender Unit 6 - Youth Unit 7 - Education and Work Unit 8 - Leisure Unit 9 - Sport Unit 10 - The United States – Melting Pot or Salad Bowl Unit 11 - Media Unit 12 - History of America Unit 13 - Class System Unit 14 – American Customs and Traditions

Teaching methods:

Elicitation, Cooperative learning, Discussion and survey, Team-based learning, Active learning systems, Active listening.

Learning outcomes:

Developing some understanding of the role of logic and discourse representation as a tool in describing and analysing the American culture and civilization; having been introduced to, and reflected upon, a number of key topics in American Culture and Civilization having developed critical reading skills and ability to initiate own research.

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

Combined oral and written examination to verify the quality and correctness of information assimilated. (50%+50%).

Recommended reading:

Baldwin, E. (2004). Introducing Cultural Studies. New York: Pearson/Prentice Hall.Bennett T., L. Grossberg, and M. Morris. (2005). New Keywords: A Revised Vocabulary of Culture and Society. Malden, MA: Blackwell.Buchli, V. (2004). Material Culture:
G. & Humez, J.M. (eds.). (2003). Gender, Race and Class in Media: A Text-Reader (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage.During, S. (2005). Cultural Studies: A Critical Introduction. London; New York: Routledge.
Hartley, J. (ed.). (2000). American Cultural Studies: A Reader. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.
Harvey D. (2006). Spaces of Global Capitalism: Towards a Theory of Uneven Geographical Development. London, New York: Verso.
Hills, M. (2005). How to Do Things with Cultural Theory. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.