AJ11608 Current Events in English Speaking Countries

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2009
Extent and Intensity
0/2. 4 credit(s). Recommended Type of Completion: zk (examination). Other types of completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
PhDr. Jarmila Fictumová (lecturer)
Michael George, M.A. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Jeffrey Alan Vanderziel, B.A.
Department of English and American Studies – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Tomáš Hanzálek
Timetable
Wed 8:20–9:55 G22
Prerequisites (in Czech)
AJ09999 Qualifying Examination
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/20, only registered: 0/20, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This is a media studies discussion course focusing on events in the news wherein students bring articles from English language media to summarize and present to their colleagues. Differing points of view will be compared, analyzed and contrasted in open conversation around the table. Students will hone their speaking and listening skills, expand their vocabulary and familiarity with idiomatic language and journalistic discourse types, as well as become aware of cultural differences within English speaking lands. News sources will include both print and electronic and will be considered not only according to their nationality and political bias, but also according to their targeted audience. By discussing the same event as reported in various news sources, students will also develop a critical eye and ability to recognize hidden or implied bias in the media. Attendance, participation in class discussion and a group presentation are the major credit requirements for this course.
Syllabus
  • While the exact curriculum will be determined by what is in the news each week in English-speaking lands, and is therefore impossible to codify, it is highly probable that discussion will center around reportage on subjects such as: Globalization and economy, Terrorism, Race relations and cultural clashes, Environment and global warning, Middle East conflict, Religion and fundamentalism, Immigration and third world development, Education, Social welfare and poverty, Politics, Gender
Literature
  • Unreliable Sources, Guide to Detecting Bias in News Medial by Martin A. Lee & Norman Solomon, A Lyle Stuart Book / Carol Publishing Group, 1990
  • Literature for this class includes the whole scope of the English language media: newspapers, magazines, radio, television and Internet.
Assessment methods
class attendance, participation, presentations
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Teacher's information
http://www.phil.muni.cz/elf/course/view.php?id=2212
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2008, Autumn 2008, Autumn 2009.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2009, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/spring2009/AJ11608