Learning objectives
The main focus of the course is to provide students with not only the linguistic tools with which to de-construct the grammar and syntax used in English-language discourse, but also a sense of the cultural idiosyncrasies and geopolitical positions often used and adopted by politicians and commentators in the United Kingdom and the United States. By closely examining speeches, articles and essays, students will be able to develop a critical methodology in order to 'read-between-the-lines' and make detailed appraisals. Students will also have access to a platform of multimedia source material; this includes English-language websites and television documentaries which will help to enhance linguistic capabilities and familiarity within this field of study.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Seminar topics include: Iran and its nuclear 'ambitions' / 'What happened to Afghanistan Day?' / The Power of Nightmares - Al-Qaeda as seen by Adam Curtis & Jason Burke / Isaiah Berlin, Positive and Negative Liberty / The Geopolitical strategy of Robert Cooper / Noam Chomsky: perspectives on American foreign policy / The philosophy of John Gray
Full programme
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Bibliography
1. Al-Qaeda, Jason Burke (2007 - 3rd edition), Penguin Books
2. Black Mass, John Gray (2008), Penguin Books
3. Imperial Ambitions, Noam Chomsky (2006), Penguin Books
4. The Breaking of Nations, Robert Cooper (2004), Atlantic Books
Teaching methods
All of the classes are run as seminars where the students are encouraged to participate in order to present their own ideas and to develop their knowledge of the topics involved.
Assessment methods and criteria
Students have a written exam (1.5 hours) where they choose one out of four questions based on topics from the course. Students then have an oral exam where they answer questions put to them in an open conversation.
Other information
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