Abstract:

The paper focuses on the peculiarities of teaching English at University level to students majoring in International Journalism at MGIMO - University. The graduates of the MGIMO Faculty of International Journalism are expected to find employment in various international organizations, news agencies and diplomatic missions. The author developed a video course using relevant materials available mostly at www.ted.com along with other resources available online. The videos have been carefully selected to fit students’ needs and provide them with video and audio materials covered by the curriculum. The program is firstly aimed at extension of the curriculum of English and covers a broad range of topics namely the role of journalists and in the modern role, professional ethics, digital journalism, interviewing techniques, citizen journalism, future of journalism, research methods international journalists use. The videos also familiarize students with the best practices the world renowned journalists adopt. Secondly, using a number of authentic videos enables students not only to extend their English vocabulary, but also introduces them to mindsets and experiences different from their own thus helps them develop their critical thinking skills which is believed to be vitally important for individuals who are planning to immerse themselves in international environment in the future. The activities designed by the author include determining vocabulary on the topic, exercises in which they are supposed to use this vocabulary in situations of their own, cultural commentaries and activities which encourage students to search for additional information to understand the cultural background of a speech, a number of discussion questions and individual and group assignments. The students also analyze the audiences’ responses to references speakers make. These responses are not always transparent to them as non-native speakers of English. Understanding not only what is said explicitly but also what the speaker implies helps learners acquire and extend both their professional and intercultural competence.

Each unit of the video course consists of two – four video tasks and class / home assignments. The course is designed for two semesters. At the end of each semester, students are supposed to give their own presentations on the topics and record them.

The course encourages students’ motivation and creativity, helps liven up professional language curriculum and enables students to learn about best practices from around the world without leaving their classrooms.

Keywords:

TED Talks, MGIMO - University, a video course, teaching English to non-native speakers, teaching language of Journalism, teaching listening, listening skills.