English in the Era of Globalisation: Culture - Acquisition - Translation - MA Seminar 1 3301-JFS1GOZ02
The seminar explores issues related to the unprecedented global popularity of the English language, including globalization, mobility, and the changes occurring within English itself as a result of globalization. These changes also influence how English is taught, as well as its relationship with national languages.
We will examine different interpretations of the concept of culture, along with the manifestations of language in culture and culture in language—ranging from literature to linguistic propaganda. The cultural richness embedded in contemporary English presents a clear challenge for translators. Participants interested in translation will have the opportunity to analyze cases of (potential) cultural untranslatability and the corresponding translation techniques and strategies that can be applied in such situations.
Among the proposed research directions for students seeking practical applications in language teaching are CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), EMI (English Medium Instruction), M. Byram’s model of intercultural teaching, the so-called post-method approach, and the Pluriliteracies Teaching for Deeper Learning model. A separate area of focus will be the use of artificial intelligence in education (esp. for adaptive teaching), which has the potential to bring about a real revolution in language pedagogy and methodology.
Participants will be encouraged to design and carry out their own empirical research projects (e.g., using interviews, observation, or questionnaires). To support the research component of the MA thesis, the seminar will also cover the basics of descriptive statistics.
The course is intended for students interested in the relationship between language and culture, the role of English in today's world, issues of globalization and mobility, and the cultural dimensions of translation studies. Those involved in language education will have the opportunity to explore how modern methodological approaches can be applied both in bilingual programs and to enrich more traditional English language classes.
Term 2025Z:
in accordance with the general course description |
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
K_W01: The student has in-depth familiarity with advanced terminology, theory, and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the field of foreign language teaching methodology and translation studies, with particular emphasis on cultural translation, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path).
K_W02: The student has in-depth familiarity with the principles of designing linguistic research, in particular the principles of selecting methods and tools for formulating research problems and testing hypotheses.
K_W05: The student has in-depth familiarity with the economic, legal, ethical, and other conditions influencing the development of professional careers related to their field of study.
K_U01: The student is able to apply terminology, theories, and advanced research methods relevant to applied linguistics in an in-depth manner to solve complex and original research problems in the fields of foreign language teaching methodology and translation studies, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path).
K_UO2: The student is able to apply advanced principles of linguistic research design at an in-depth level, and in particular is able to:
- select appropriate sources, methods, and tools,
- critically analyze and synthesize the current state of research in the discipline,
- interpret and present the obtained results, using advanced information and communication technologies.
K_U03: The student is able to use grammatical structures, vocabulary, and appropriately select language conventions to suit the communicative situation (e.g., conducting a public debate, delivering an academic presentation, etc.) in spoken and written English at a minimum level of C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
K_U04: The student is able to apply in practice the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law.
K_U05: The student is able to apply in practice knowledge of economic, legal, ethical, and other conditions relevant to professional activities related to their field of study.
K_U07: The student is able to use modern technologies in the process of acquiring knowledge and to communicate using various channels and communication techniques.
K_U09: The student is able to design their own development path and guide others in this regard.
K_K01: The student is ready to critically evaluate their own knowledge and the content received in the field of foreign language teaching methodology and translation studies.
K_K02: The student is ready to recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems and to seek expert opinions when encountering difficulties in solving problems independently
Assessment criteria
Assessment Methods and Criteria:
Active participation in class
Preparation of a presentation (on a topic related to the student’s research interests)
Presentation of research questions and a report on their implementation
Final course assignment (preparation of successive sections of the MA thesis in accordance with the agreed schedule)
Partial written assignments and oral contributions, final written work (used to verify learning outcomes: Knowledge, Skills, Social Competences)
Short tasks completed during classes (used to verify learning outcomes: Knowledge, Skills, Social Competences)
Project-based tasks completed throughout the semester (used to verify learning outcomes: Knowledge, Skills, Social Competences)
Bibliography
Bibliographical sources will vary, to reflect students' academic interests. Sample sources are provided in the overview of the forthcoming cycle.
Term 2025Z:
Bibliographical sources will vary, to reflect students' academic interests. What follows is just a sample list of key sources that students appreciate at the early stages of their seminar work. Dalton-Puffer, D. (2007) Discourse in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Classrooms, John Benjamins |
Notes
Term 2025Z:
Attendance is. obligatory. Two absences are allowed. |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: