Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Academic English in Social Sciences
Course Code
SZF_135
Branch of Science
Other social sciences
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Communication Science; Marketing and Advertising; Political Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Sniedze Vilde
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
To develop the skills and abilities of using the English language for study purposes and work in a future specialty and to promote the acquisition and practical use of special terminology and communication skills related to the future profession.
Preliminary Knowledge
Knowledge of the English language at secondary school level.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.During the study course, students will: • be able to understand and apply professional terminology in various types of texts in social sciences; • will be aware of different degrees of formality and pragmatic meanings; will learn: • the principles of creating a presentation and self-presentation; • how to recognize and use academic sources and conduct small research; • basic principles of academic English in articles; • principles of creating and translating journalistic texts; • approaches to creating multimedia content; • how to create interview questions; • how to communicate in a team, to achieve a common goal.
Skills
1.Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • summarize texts from various fields in social sciences; • express and give their opinion on political issues; • write academic essays; • participate in debates • confidently present yourself and make a public speech; • orientate in academic literature, conduct small researches; • apply academic English in articles, create summaries, formulate theses, questions, results and conclusions; • create and translate journalistic texts, including social media content; • create multimedia content in English; • manage interviews and media projects, communicating successfully in a group.
Competences
1.By successfully completing the course, students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in their future studies and professional career. Students will be able to work successfully in a team, justifying their opinion in professional matters; will be able to logically express his opinion both in writing and orally, using the learned professional terminology.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
Students carry out independent work in groups: they conduct market research, compile relevant literature, complete practical tasks, prepare reports using field-specific terminology, organize discussions, provide constructive feedback to group members, record sub-tasks, and prepare progress presentations. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
100.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Active participation in classes; timely completion of tasks at the required quality; quality of oral responses; preparation and delivery of presentations in line with the course project topics. The course includes three projects, and at the end of each project, students present the final product and provide a detailed report on their independent work. The appropriateness of content, presentation, responses, and language will be assessed. Requirements for earning credit points (course assessment structure): the final grade is calculated as follows – compulsory assessments: final project presentations (3) – their average grade constitutes 100%. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Formulation of research questions, goals and tasks.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
In diplomatic language. Pragmatics. Presentations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
International Relations (IR).
Interdisciplinary perspective: Geography, History.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Issues: Poverty
|
|
Vēlēšanas.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Academic Writing
|
|
Rasisms
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Gender (in-) equality. Feminism.
|
|
Political Speeches.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media and Politics.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Globalisation. Test.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Academic Essays.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The EU. The European Commission. The European Commission. The European Parliament.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
ES likumdošana
|
|
NATO
|
|
20. gadsimta konflikti
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Migration. Refugees.
|
|
Terrorism.
|
|
Politically Correct Language
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Politically Correct Language
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminārs: Ziņas. Presentations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminārs: Ziņas. Presentations.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
30 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Research Skills: Teaching effective techniques for conducting research in media studies, including locating academic sources, evaluating credibility, and synthesizing information.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Communication with the media.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Interviewing Skills: Providing guidance on conducting interviews for media content, including research, preparation, questioning techniques, and ethical considerations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Digital Media Production: Hands-on training in digital media content production starting from web page design, social media posts, podcasts, and ads.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
MK, SA, ZR
Multimedia Communication and Design: Introducing principles of visual communication and design theory, including layout, typography, colour theory, and graphic elements relevant to media production. Data visualization. Video. Audio.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Law and Ethics: Understanding legal and ethical considerations specific to media production, including copyright law, privacy rights, defamation, and professional codes of conduct.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Project Management: Introducing project management principles and tools relevant to media production, including scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and teamwork.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Personal branding.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Presentation Skills: Teaching effective techniques for presenting media content, including public speaking, visual presentation design, and audience engagement strategies.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
LinkedIn. Digital footprint.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Visual communication.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Elevator speech and presentations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Academic and Media Writing: Developing skills in writing for various media formats, such as news articles, feature stories, and scripts, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and engaging storytelling.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
MR, SBIE.
Resumes and job interviews
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
1
|
Topics
|
Creating surveys.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Digital text format.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
30 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
Topics
|
Creating surveys.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Formulation of research questions, goals and tasks.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Presentation Skills: Teaching effective techniques for presenting media content, including public speaking, visual presentation design, and audience engagement strategies.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Research Skills: Teaching effective techniques for conducting research in media studies, including locating academic sources, evaluating credibility, and synthesizing information.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Law and Ethics: Understanding legal and ethical considerations specific to media production, including copyright law, privacy rights, defamation, and professional codes of conduct.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Presentation Skills: Teaching effective techniques for presenting media content, including public speaking, visual presentation design, and audience engagement strategies.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Research Skills: Teaching effective techniques for conducting research in media studies, including locating academic sources, evaluating credibility, and synthesizing information.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Presentation Skills: Teaching effective techniques for presenting media content, including public speaking, visual presentation design, and audience engagement strategies.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Creating surveys.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Part 2
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Academic and Media Writing: Developing skills in writing for various media formats, such as news articles, feature stories, and scripts, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and engaging storytelling.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Project Management: Introducing project management principles and tools relevant to media production, including scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and teamwork.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Digital Media Production: Hands-on training in digital media content production starting from web page design, social media posts, podcasts, and ads.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Digital Media Production: Hands-on training in digital media content production starting from web page design, social media posts, podcasts, and ads.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Project Management: Introducing project management principles and tools relevant to media production, including scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and teamwork.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Interviewing Skills: Providing guidance on conducting interviews for media content, including research, preparation, questioning techniques, and ethical considerations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Media Interviewing Skills: Providing guidance on conducting interviews for media content, including research, preparation, questioning techniques, and ethical considerations.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Academic and Media Writing: Developing skills in writing for various media formats, such as news articles, feature stories, and scripts, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and engaging storytelling.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Hewings, M. (2023) Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge University Press
2.
McCarthy, M. and O'Dell, F. (2017) English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced Book. 3rd Edition.
3.
Turabian, K. (2018) A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 9th Edition.
4.
Michael McCarthy, Felicity O'Dell. (2014) Academic Vocabulary in Use. Cambridge University Press
5.
Santiago Remacha Esteras, Elena Marco Fabre. (2018) Professional English in Use. For Computers and the Internet. Cambridge University Press, 5th printing.
6.
Carlsnaes, W., Risse,T., Simmons B. (2013) Handbook of International Relations. Los Angeles: SAGE.
7.
Devetak, R., Burke, A., George, J. (2012) An Introduction to International Relations. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
8.
Swales, J. (2012) Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press.
Additional Reading
1.
Balfour, R. et al. (2016) Europe’s Trouble Makers: The Populist Challenge to Foreign Policy. European Policy Centre.
2.
Pease, K. (2012) International Organizations : Perspective on Governance in the Twenty-first Century. Boston: Longman.