The Academic Speaking course develops students’ skills and confidence in speaking persuasively on a variety of academic topics in the areas of Humanities, Business Studies and the Social Sciences. Students will be expected to undertake extensive research on their chosen topics and thereby develop their ability to use resources appropriately and ethically. Being engaged analytically and in-depth with their topics, students offer constructive criticism of one another’s presentations. Critical and analytical thinking will be emphasized at all times. Students will learn by a process approach to academic speaking, placing emphasis less on the final product and more on the stages of academic research. Both the final product and stages of the process will be demonstrated to the class in the form of mini-presentations. Through regular presentations, analysis, and peer as well as instructor feedback on their research and ultimately on their topics, students will improve their language proficiency and ability to argue effectively and persuasively within an academic context, and to handle evidence and statistical data. Class activities will take the form of discussions, debates and presentations.
