ADVANCED ACADEMIC ENGLISH 1

概要

This course of study aims to explore the life and works of the writer and illustrator Beatrix Potter within the context of British society during the Victorian era. The course will enable students to examine how Potter’s environment influenced her artistic and literary expressions which resulted in her uncommon success as a writer and illustrator during Victorian times. The course will offer students the opportunity to research and explore important aspects of British society during the Victorian era while delving into Potter’s published works. In reading Beatrix Potter’s stories, students will be guided to develop skills in understanding English literary expressions and in appreciating English texts. The course aims to facilitate the development of students’ active reading skills, active listening skills, English comprehension skills and oral communication skills. Students will be encouraged to express their creativity and to voice their ideas and thoughts in group work during class time.

目標

The four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking will be accentuated throughout the course. Students will practice and demonstrate their communicative and comprehension skills through large and small group discussion, oral presentations, class leadership. Collaborative learning will be the guiding approach of the course and will inform the classroom process.

授業外の学習

Students are encouraged to adopt a self-study approach and exercise independence in their reading, writing, research and thinking throughout the course. Students will need to: 1 - dedicate time to complete assigned readings every week and be prepared to discuss the themes of these readings in the following lessons. 2 - complete worksheets related to the readings. 3 - conduct research about one aspect relating Beatrix Potter’s life, artwork or writings; and write a 1000-word paper on this topic. 4 - prepare an oral presentation to be given in front of the class about a chosen topic relating to Beatrix Potter’s works. For example, some presentation topics could include ~ The student’s favorite character depicted by Beatrix Potter; or The student’s favorite story written by Beatrix Potter; or The role of women in Victorian British society; or Nature, flora and fauna as depicted through Beatrix Potter’s works; or A comparative analysis of Japanese society and British society during the early 1900s;

所要時間: It is envisaged that students will devote at least 190 minutes every week to outside classwork for this course.