3. 3
Introduction to the course
This coursewill cover eventsin the most recent period of History, 1815-
2015. Thelast two hundred yearshave been fascinating and the world has
changed dramatically because of these events. These events have shaped
the world that welive in and their effects are still being felt even today.
For example, questions such as, what would havehappened if Napoleon had
won the NapoleonicWars? Would the common languageof the world be,
French? What if the First World War had never happened, would America
be the present “Super Power”?
All these questions are of great interest and debate. This course willlook at
these and other watershed events in critical detail to try to understand not
only the significance but the wider impact of these events.
4. 4
Purpose of the course
This coursehas been specifically designed to incorporateboth the English
language as well as Historical eventsinto a simplified context. In essence
allowing studentsto gain an understandingof historical eventswhich
shaped the world we livein. Further to this, the coursewill increase the
studentsoverall understandingof the English language, being not only
taught but discussed at length in English. Studentswill be expected to
contribute in class duringthe discussion and debate stage.
Another key element of the course is the developmentof the students
English language comprehension. Asthis is such a key element to the course,
complexgrammatical formswill be introduced to the studentssuch as
conditionalforms, cohesive devices, discoursemarkers, adverbial
expressions, reported speech and the passiveforms. These complex
grammatical formsare essential for studentswho wantto achieve the
highest levels in not only the speakingbut also the writing examinations, in
all English examinations includingCambridge, IELTS and TOELF.
The class will incorporateall the best elements of lectures, seminarsand
discussionsin a compact and intense1 hour class.
Breakdown of the lessons:-
1. 10 minutelecture on the topic where studentswill be expected to take
notes.
2. 20 minuteanalysisof the language used and the potentially relevant
grammatical forms.
3. 15 minute –debatepreparation.
4. 10 minutedebate
5. 5 minutereview, final question and comments. Aswell as an
introduction to the topic of the followingweek so that studentscan
research the topic.
The debate stage of the course is of particular significance and relevance to
any studentstaking a Cambridge certification. This is because duringthe
speakingexam, there is a discussion aspect, where studentsneed to present
and supporttheir own ideas. Students also need to initiate, respond and
developed their partner’s ideas to score highly in the “Interactive
Communication” and the “DiscourseManagement” section of the exam.
5. 5
Therefore, the synergisticideology of the course is fundamentalfor students.
Firstly, they will learn new and interesting facts. Secondly, they will develop
their ability to arguetheir ideas in a systematic fashion which is concise and
coherent.
6. 6
Course Overview
1. NapoleonicWarsand the influenceof Rothschild
2. Chartered Companies
3. The Suez Canaland the American Transatlantic Railway
4. Scramble for Africa – Colonisation
5. World War One – USA debtor to creditor
6. Roosevelt’s Interwar year Economic Policies
7. World War Two
8. Cold war –Ideology Shift
9. Decolonisation and the economic effects
10. 1970’s stagnation and Arab Crisis
11. 1990’sBoom
12. 2000’sCrisis
13. The Rise and Rise of China
7. 7
Final Points
I genuinely feel that this coursecould be of great interest to somestudents
who are lookingto improvetheir knowledgeof the world as well as
improvingtheir English at the same time. This course would have synergistic
benefits to all students.
This coursecould be offered to studentsat your institution free of charge as I
am willing to do this on a voluntary basis. I have already made several
preliminary PowerPointdisplayson thetopics on the previouspageand I
would be happy to give you both a demonstration, if the opportunity
presented itself.
I wholeheartedly believe that my previous study in combination with my
English language knowledgemakes me the ideal candidateto perform the
task.
I patiently await your response.
Best Regards,
LukePalma
