Exploring English: Language and Culture Course - British Council

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Introduction

Improve your English language skills while discovering key aspects of British culture, from Shakespeare to live music, and more. Discover British culture while improving your English language skills This ExpertTrack from the British Council will deepen your understanding of the culture and history of the UK and also help you improve your English and give you opportunities to practise at every step. The three courses in the ExpertTrack look at some aspects of modern British culture as well as looking back to some of the roots of British culture in the work of William Shakespeare and in Magna Carta, the foundation of our modern democracy. Over the three courses, you will hear authentic English in interviews with people across the UK, you’ll do language activities based on the English you hear and you’ll share your own thoughts, experiences and opinions at every step. Explore the role of music, literature, and the countryside in British culture In the first course in this ExpertTrack, Language and Culture, you’ll investigate some central elements of British culture. First, you’ll consider English as a global language. How did English become the language of business, education and popular culture in many parts of the world? Next, you’ll look at the role of music in British culture. Who are your favourite British musicians and can listening to songs help you learn a language? The British countryside is famously green but what do you know about the four countries that make up the United Kingdom? You’ll get you a flavour of all four. Finally, who’s your favourite British author? You’ll look at some famous books and authors and share your own reading experience, from the UK and from your own culture. Get an introduction to Shakespeare – and study some of his best-known plays William Shakespeare is Britain’s most famous and best-loved writer. In the second course, you will learn about Shakespeare’s life in Stratford-upon-Avon. You’ll also look at five of his most famous plays, including Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. You’ll hear from actors describing their thoughts and experiences of playing Shakespeare’s characters and you’ll learn more about Shakespeare’s lasting influence on the English language. You’ll even get the opportunity to perform a little bit of Shakespeare yourself! Learn all about Magna Carta This course will start by looking at the events that led to the signing of ‘the great charter’, Magna Carta in 1215. How did this document, almost forgotten about for hundreds of years, play such an important part in shaping history. You’ll look at its role in forming modern Britain. You’ll also find out more about other struggles through the centuries – from American independence to the right to vote and from Gandhi to Nelson Mandela. Key skills you will learn Learn about the life and works of William Shakespeare. Universal themes in Shakespeare's work Shakespeare's influence on the English language Find out about contemporary UK culture Watch videos and listen to authentic English in use English language practice activities Find out how Magna Carta influenced the course of history Learning outcomes By the end of the ExpertTrack, you’ll be able to: Investigate British life and culture, including English as a global language, the countryside, music, and literature Explore the life and works of William Shakespeare and his enduring popularity Investigate Magna Carta - the 800-year-old 'great charter' that shaped the world Reflect on English in use and learn how to improve your English language skills Experience required This ExpertTrack is aimed at non-native English speakers who want to improve their English while learning about British culture. There are no formal requirements, though it would best suit those with intermediate English language skills; B1 on the CEFR or equivalent. The courses are delivered in English, including course materials, and interaction with tutors and other learners. Getting started This ExpertTrack would suit intermediate English learners who want to learn more about different aspects of British Culture. It would be particularly interesting to those curious to learn about British people, British music, and British literature – particularly Shakespeare. You’ll learn through watching videos of everyday English in use, to help you understand how British people speak the language. Alongside British culture, you will also learn practical English skills and practice speaking English with your coursemates and tutors. ExpertTrack course overview Language and CultureExplore British culture - from music to the countryside - with the British Council to improve your English language skills. ShakespeareExplore Shakespeare’s life, discover famous Shakespeare plays, and improve your English language skills with the British Council. Magna CartaImprove your English language skills while exploring the Magna Carta - the 800-year-old "great charter" that shaped the world. How ExpertTracks work Join an ExpertTrack to master new skills in your chosen specialist area. Work through a series of topic-focused courses at your own pace, and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate award that proves your expertise. Join a free 7-day trial Decide if the ExpertTrack is right for you with free access to the full suite of courses and assessments for a week. Keep learning for $39/month Pay a monthly subscription fee of $39 for as long as it takes you to complete the ExpertTrack. You can learn at your own pace and cancel at any time. Earn digital certificates Receive a certificate for every completed course and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate that you can share with your professional network. Become an expert Use your specialist training to progress further in your career or build expertise in areas you’re passionate about. World-class learning with British Council The British Council is on the ground in six continents and over 100 countries connecting the best of UK culture with a global audience and providing high-quality English language courses. Meet your instructors Chris Cavey I’m a teacher and online learning specialist for the British Council and I manage the development of all of our FutureLearn courses. Neil McLaren I live and work in Bratislava and have been teaching for more than twenty-five years. I’m the Social Community Manager in charge of the British Council’s global social media channels for learners. Genevieve  White I’ve taught English in Hungary, Romania, China and the UK. At the moment I teach in Shetland and I also write English language teaching materials. Tina Pole I started teaching in Hong Kong for The British Council in 1998 but I’ve been living in Italy for the last 13 years. Sally T Hi - I’m from Britain but I live and work in Spain. I’m an English teacher, EFL materials writer and online courses coordinator.   Start learning today - free 7-day trial After your free trial you can: Pay $39 per month to keep learning online Have complete control over your subscription; you can cancel any time Work at your own pace and set your own deadlines at every stage Only pay while you’re learning; the subscription will cancel automatically when you finish Complete online assessments to test your knowledge and prove your skills Earn digital course certificates and a final award that you can share online, with potential employers, and your professional network Keep access to the content of courses you complete even after your subscription ends

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FutureLearn

Learn 100% online with world-class universities and industry experts. Develop your career, learn a new skill, or pursue your hobbies with flexible online courses.

Learn 100% online with world-class universities and industry experts. Develop your career, learn a new skill, or pursue your hobbies with flexible online courses. Read Less

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Exploring English: Language and Culture Course - British Council

General

About the School

FutureLearn

FutureLearn