Course Introduction

Notice on Copyright Compliance

Before we delve into the richness of our English course reader, I would like to bring your attention to an important aspect: copyright compliance. All text extracts from books included in this course reader have been reproduced in accordance with Swedish Bonus Copyright laws. I believe in upholding the rights of authors and publishers, and I also recognize the crucial role of copyrighted material in enriching our educational content.

Under the Swedish Bonus Copyright laws, educational institutions are permitted to make limited copies of copyrighted works for non-commercial, educational purposes. This is known as a ‘bonus’ or ’educational copying’.

For books, the copying limit typically amounts to 15% of the total number of pages of a book, with a maximum of 15 pages. So, for instance, if a book is 200 pages long, I can reproduce up to 30 pages (which is 15% of the total number of pages), but due to the maximum limit of 15 pages, I can only include 15 pages in our course reader.

It’s important to note that the content I share is strictly for your personal educational use and cannot be used for commercial purposes or widely distributed without proper authorization.

This adherence to copyright laws ensures that I maintain a fair and respectful attitude towards the creators and publishers of the educational materials we use. I encourage you, as responsible learners, to respect these regulations as well and appreciate the value of creative rights. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Welcome to English 6, an exciting exploration of the English language in its myriad forms and contexts. This course aims to strengthen your proficiency in English while broadening your understanding of its significance as a global lingua franca.

In the first module, we will delve into the pivotal role English plays as a universal bridge across cultures and disciplines. The study of English as a Lingua Franca will illuminate how the language serves as a shared means of communication in our interconnected world, spanning realms like business, politics, entertainment, and academia.

Next, we journey back in time to explore the rich tapestry of the English language’s evolution, tracing its roots from Old English to its modern forms and dialects. This historical overview will offer invaluable insights into how language develops, adapts, and ultimately shapes our understanding of the world.

Our third unit will introduce you to the expansive world of English literature, where you will encounter works from diverse cultures and periods. This literary voyage will provide a window into the values, attitudes, and societal shifts that literature both reflects and precipitates.

Building on the language fundamentals you’ve learned in previous levels, our Advanced English Grammar and Syntax unit will hone your linguistic prowess, helping you master complex grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions.

The course will then transition from theory to practice in our Effective Communication and Public Speaking unit. Here, you will cultivate skills in delivering persuasive and impactful speeches, engaging in insightful debates, and navigating public speaking scenarios with poise and confidence.

Finally, our English for Professional Purposes module will equip you with the tools needed to use English outside of the classroom. Whether preparing for a job interview, creating a blog post, or contributing to a team meeting, you will become adept at navigating and leveraging the English language to help shape your’s and our world.

My primary goal as your instructor is to make this a rewarding and enriching journey of learning for you all. Your active participation, curiosity, and open-mindedness will undoubtedly make this class a vibrant space for growth, understanding, and mutual respect (a phrase you’ll soon learn by heart). Together, let’s embark on this fascinating exploration of the English language!