Course "Academic Writing with a Hollywood Flair"
The course is a short but intensive program, consisting of four sessions, in which such films as Spotlight, Moneyball, and Don't Look Up are used as teaching materials to analyze various aspects of written communication. A preliminary viewing of the films can be a useful addition.
The course integrates all four skills of communication: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The classes focus on analyzing specific scenes that demonstrate the structure of arguments, academic vocabulary, and data visualization techniques. The course also aims to develop such competencies as genre analysis, critical perception of information, and presenting it clearly. Participants will do vocabulary exercises, write short texts, use AI-based tools for text generation and editing. They will also do peer reviewing and practice presentation skills. Join in to try infotainment.
Trainer: Artem Sigaev is an ESL teacher with a B.A. in English Philology and M.A. in Psychology. At ITMO University, he teaches General English and ESP courses such as Academic Writing, English for IT and Information Security both for bachelor and master students. Artem’s professional interests include teaching writing, using AI in teaching languages, and developing materials based on films and literature.
Dates: November 17 – December 8, (16 a/h), 17:00 - 20:00
Format: online
English level requirement: B1
How do I get accepted? The course is offered on a competitive basis. Please, fill out an online registration form and write a motivation letter in English (about 300 words). Please describe your experience of writing academic texts in English and the difficulties you have faced. Explain how the course will help you overcome these challenges and how the new skills are relevant to your teaching and / or research. The motivation letter should clearly demonstrate that the applicant has read the course syllabus and is willing to make time to do all course tasks.
For more information on how to write a strong motivation letter, please read the AWC blog.