Course: Foreign Language - Media Presentation

» List of faculties » CMF » KMS
Course title Foreign Language - Media Presentation
Course code KMS/KEMPR
Organizational form of instruction Lesson
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Krásová Kateřina, Mgr. et Mgr.
Course content
Phase I: Methodology and Training 1. Introduction and analogue planning (the importance of presentations in the media age; Jobs' method: why start on paper rather than in PowerPoint; creating storyboards and mind maps). 2. Storytelling is at the heart of everything (the 'golden ratio' structure; introducing the 'villain' (the problem) and the 'hero' (the solution). The rule of three. 3. Public speaking skills and body language (working with your voice and eye contact; eliminating nervous gestures and breaking down barriers between the speaker and the audience). 4. The theory of argumentation and critical discussion (an introduction to pragmatics and dialectics: how to resolve clashes of opinion rationally; strategic manoeuvring: how to be persuasive whilst remaining within the bounds of reason). 5. Visual minimalism (no bullet points!) (why slides must not contain bullet points or long blocks of text; slide design as a visual aid for the presenter's voice of the reader). Phase II: Practical Outputs and Reflection 5. Student presentations A series of student presentations on selected topics (see below). Emphasis on adhering to the time limit (15 minutes) and engaging the audience. 5-minute discussion: A moderated exchange of views based on prepared questions from fellow students. 6. Final reflection and peer feedback (assessment of progress using the LOUIS rubrics). Presentation Length 15 minutes (2 min introduction to the topic - approx. 6-7 min paper - 1-2 min conclusion = summary - 5 min discussion with other students) Each student prepares at least 2 questions about the other students' topics in the discussion. Use of the most relevant media sources Topics to choose from: - World news - conflicts, geopolitics, current major international events - description of the event and its development, differences in the presentation of the topic by different media The war in the Gaza Strip War in Ukraine Russia and its presentation in the media Other current topics - Economy and trade - big topics in foreign media, differences in presentation of the topic by different media, impact on the global and possibly local economy World market Boeing case Other current topics - Legislation - major legislative cases, passage of laws with international implications Julian Assange case Data Protection and GDPR - FB, Adobe, Google Abortion laws in the US Other current topics - Sport - big sporting events and causes in the sporting world (describe mostly what is going on and what is the impact on society) -> it is not just about describing the course of a match Olympics Anti-Doping Controversial impact of events - location and circumstances of hosting, etc. (ex, 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar) Other current topics - Technology - new technologies, how they can be implemented and the impact of their use AI - artificial intelligence and its media coverage Cryptocurrency Social networks Other current topics - Cultural - current cultural events and major events Karlovy Vary Film Festival through the prism of world media Tate Modern in London Other major event or cultural institution

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization), Group work
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to develop students' communication skills in English and to encourage a critical evaluation of topics related to media communication. It also aims to develop the ability to respond to spontaneous questions and to lead discussions on various topics. A presentation is understood as the process of conveying information, ideas or content to an audience with the aim of informing, persuading or entertaining. The aim of the course is not merely to acquire technical skills, but to transform students from 'transmitters of knowledge' into 'flexible facilitators' who are able to co-create meaning with their audience in real time. Students will learn to plan presentations as stories, master verbal and non-verbal communication, and apply the principles of integrative learning to transfer theoretical knowledge into professional practice. The course combines the art of storytelling with the theory of argumentation (pragma-dialectics).
In this course, students develop the following cross-curricular competences: 1. Oral Communication Students design the structure of their presentation as a clearly defined whole (beginning, middle, end) so that the audience is aware of the presentation's context and direction at every stage. They learn to use vocal modulation (pitch, tempo, pauses) and non-verbal communication, including maintaining eye contact and an open body posture. They learn to avoid distracting gestures and to build a rapport with the audience based on trust and authenticity. 2. Critical Thinking Students analyse media sources and identify differences in how various media present reality on topics such as geopolitics, technology and legislation. They can identify fallacies, such as ad hominem and straw man arguments, and assess the logical validity of claims. In discussions, they formulate critical questions and respond to counter-arguments in accordance with the principles of pragma-dialectics. 3. Creative Thinking Students master the technique of storytelling, enabling them to transform dry data into a compelling narrative using a 'hero' (solution) and a 'villain' (problem). They utilise visual minimalism whilst avoiding bullet points and overloaded text on slides. 4. Integrative Learning and Transfer Students can utilise and apply theoretical models of argumentation and presentation techniques to specific media cases
Prerequisites
The expected level of the student's English language proficiency is B1. Active participation: Teaching takes the form of a 'Living Lab' in which knowledge is co-created through interaction. Individual presentations: Students must deliver a 15-minute presentation (structure: 2-minute introduction, 6-7-minute main body, 1-2-minute conclusion, 5-minute discussion). Role of the discussant: During discussions, each student must ask at least two critical questions regarding their peers' topics (to practise the 'Inquiry and Analysis' competence). Quality of sources: Students are required to use the most relevant media sources and to critically reflect on differences in how these sources interpret reality.

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance, Analysis of linguistic, Seminar Work

- Selection, preparation and presentation of the topic in the form of a presentation (.pptx format) - Studying all related resources - Leading a discussion on the selected topic - Preparing questions on other topics to be presented in the course - Regular participation in class - Communication in English only
Recommended literature
  • ANDERSON, Chris. (2016). ED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking.
  • ANDERSON, Chris. TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking. 2016.
  • DRMLOVÁ, Dana et al. (2011). Německy s úsměvem nově. Plzeň.
  • DUARTE, Nancy. (2019). DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story.
  • FALLA, Tim; DAVIES, Paul A.; KELLY, Paul; WENDHOLT, Helen a WHEELDON, Sylvia. (2022). Maturita solutions: upper-intermediate. Oxford.
  • FRANS H. VAN EEMEREN; GARSSEN, Bart; GRECO, Sara; TON VAN HAAFTEN a LABRIE, Nanon. (2022). Argumentative Style.
  • GROOTENDORST, R. a EEMEREN, F. H. van. (2004). A systematic theory of argumentation: the pragma-dialectical approach. New York.
  • CHIVERS, Barbara a SHOOLBRED, Michael. (2007). A student's guide to presentations: making your presentation count. Los Angeles.
  • CHRISTOPHER W. TINDALE. (2020). Anthropology of Argument.
  • MCCARTHY, Michael a OMCCARTHY, Michael a O'DELL, Felicity'DELL, Felicity. (2016). Academic Vocabulary in Use Edition with Answers.
  • MCCARTHY, Patsy a HATCHER, Caroline. (2016). Presentation Skills.
  • MURPHY, Raymond. (2006). English grammar in use: a self-study reference and practice book for intermediate students of English with answers. Cambridge.
  • REYNOLDS, Garr. (2020). Presentation zen: simple ideas on presentation design and delivery. Berkeley.
  • REYNOLDS, Garr. (2009). Prezentace a zen: jednoduše a srozumitelně o designu prezentací a jejich předvádění. Brno.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester