This is a course designed to improve students’ comprehension, production and ehance their appreciation of the English language. Areas such as the history, the grammar, morphology, syntax and phonetics/phonology of the English language are explored. The course also concentrates on the fundamental principles of academic essay writing and the production of academic oral discourse. Finally, there emphasis is also placed on developing the skills and techniques of oral presentations. 

The main aims-objectives of the course are for students to:

• gain a deeper understanding of the English language
• develop their academic speaking and writing skills
• enhance their overall productive and receptive skills

Week 1: Introduction to the course. Introduction to the History of the English language

Week 2: Selected topics in language awareness (e.g. idioms and idiomatic expressions, proverbs, confusing words

Week 3: Selected topics in the morphology and syntax of the English language 

Week 4: Selected topics in the morphology and syntax of the English language 

Week 5: Selected topics in the morphology and syntax of the English language 

Week 6: Introduction to the phonology and phonetics of the English language

Week 7:  Survey of the main morphosyntactic and phonetic differences between British and American English. 

Week 8: Developing oral presentation skills and techniques

Week 9: Principles of Academic writing (part 1)

Week 10: Principles of Academic writing (part 2)

Week 11: Presentation of group assignments (part 1)

Week 12: Presentation of group assignments (part 2)

Week 13: Review of course material, feedback on group assignments

• McCormack, J and Slaght, J (2012)  for Academic Study: Extended Writing & Research Skills - Course Book
• Hogg, R and Denison, D. (eds), (2006) A History of the English Language. Cambridge: CUP.
• Crystal, D. (2012). English as a Global Language. Cambridge: CUP. Swan, M. (2005). Practical English Usage. Oxford: OUP.
• Trimmer, J.F. (1998). Writing with a purpose. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 12th ed.
• Extra material in the form of articles etc is provide in open eclass

The course is taught through interactive lectures. It involves the active participation of students in class discussion and activities. Ample opportunity for reflection is also given through cooperative learning activities. Students have the opportunity to sit in lectures delivered by experts in the field (and Erasmus+ visiting professors) on topics related to the course.

 PPT, short videos, interactive activities, polls, slido quizes, etc.

Two required assignments:

a) Individual assignment (50% of the total course grade)

b) Oral group presentation (50% of the total course grade)