LING X488.3A - English through American Film

Course Description

There is more to learning a language than vocabulary and verb conjugation. Language is informed by the culture from which it grows. What better way to teach the nuances of a language than through the social and artistic temperament of the culture that gives rise to it?

During this course, students explore the development of movies in America, and the way in which film has been influenced by changes in culture. Students learn about American history and culture as portrayed in the movies. Students practice and improve skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening through reflection and discussion of each movie and its impact on the arts. 

In order to evaluate contemporary award-winning American and foreign movies, students attend the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Students create weekly presentations to illustrate cultural changes and artistic interrelationship. The final assignment is the creation of a personal e-portfolio of the student’s artistic experience during the quarter.

Course Outline

METHODS OF LEARNING & TEACHING:

Lecture, discussion, group and pair work.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: 

International students who have achieved an overall score of 80 or above in the iBT TOEFL test. Students who enjoy film studies and want to increase their listening, speaking, and presenting skills in English.

SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTS:

Movies to be watched are assigned as homework, and are watched outside the classroom.

Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Gain a perspective on how culture has influenced art in the U.S.

• Use new vocabulary associated with a particular area of the arts

• Show fluency in evaluating and expressing appreciation and critique

• Gain confidence in their public speaking skills

• Create multiple power point presentations including a final project