The American Culture and History Course 4101-4SKHSZO
The summer semester is focused on American heritage, government, system of education, religious freedom and diversity, geographical regions and regional identities. Also, questions and ideas about the plurality and diversity of American culture are addressed. A comparison with the cultural phenomena of the mother country is encouraged, which develops the intercultural competence of the student teachers. Historical analysis leads to practical application of course content to teaching English as a foreign language to young learners.
Semester four:
1. Overview of geographical and cultural regions in the US
2. Political institutions and public life
3. Education
4. Religion
5. Basic concepts connected with ethnicity/race and an overview of waves of immigration to the US
6. Native Americans: their history and role in American culture
7. Black Americans: their history and role in American culture
8. Hispanics: overview of their presence and importance in the US
9. Asian Americans: overview of their presence and importance in the US
10. Women
Type of course
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE
K_W01 the student has a basic knowledge of US history and culture in the teaching of foreign languages, which have practical application in foreign language teaching at pre-school and the first and second stages of education H1A_W10
K_W02 the student has a comprehensive knowledge, covering US history and culture, which have practical application in foreign language teaching. H1P_W01
K_W03 the student has an understanding of the basic academic terms within US history and culture appropriate for teaching foreign languages H1P_W03
SKILLS
K_U01 the student is able to search, analyse, evaluate, select and use information using a variety of sources and methods H1P_U01
K_U02 the student has the necessary level of self-study skills to use a variety of sources (using their first and any other language/ new technologies (ICT) to acquire knowledge and develop their professional competences in teaching foreign languages, H1P_U02
K_U12 the student has the ability to prepare oral presentations, in Polish and English for specific purposes, using basic theoretical approaches, as well as a variety of sources H1P_U13
K_U27 the student possesses language skills at CEFR level C1 for the main specialisation (and any additional specialisation) in accordance with the requirements specified in the standards of teaching H1A_U10
H1P_U14
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
K_K02 the student is able to interact and work in a group H1P_K02
K_K05 the student is aware of their role in the promotion and preservation of the cultural heritage of the region, country and Europe H1P_K05
Assessment criteria
A class grade consists of continuous assessment (current preparation and active participation in class), attendance record (two absences are allowed per semester),
mandatory student group presentations. At the end of the semester student obtains a class grade consisting of:
- presentation grade - 50% (very good content and technical/presentational side together with originally made materials – 5.0;fair quality and content – 4.0; basic quality and content, containing errors and mistakes – 3.0; poor quality and multiple errors and mistakes – 2.0)
- active course involvement (50%) in class (and on the platform). Student is obliged to complete all platform assignments and tasks in the course of the classes.
Lack of presentation, failing to meet required attendance level or not completing all platform assignments and tasks will result in failing the semester.
The exam grade is the average of two positive exam tests results covering the two semesters.
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:
- Teaching Foreign Languages, English, French (2nd subject), full time studies, first cycle programme
- Teaching foreign languages: English, 2nd subj. teaching 'history and social studies'
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: