English
简体中文 
Learn to discuss news content, factual reporting and sensationalist journalism.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Every day around the world news crews and journalists are always on the lookout for the next big story, some breaking news that they feel is important to report. But are there some aspects of the news which should be played down? Or is all news useful important, no matter how morbid? Where is the line between reporting the facts and sensationalism? In many countries, some media are accused of rubbernecking and making stories more gruesome than they have to be to make sure that their viewers, listeners and readers are entertained as well as informed – is this acceptable? If you want to be able to discuss this difficult topic, then make sure you come to this class.
What? In this class, we’ll start off by looking at some different perspectives about the news and whether people have a right to know all the details of a story or if the media has a duty to downplay certain aspects of the news. Next, we’ll role play a news room discussion and look at some potential news stories, debating which should be allowed into our news bulletins, and how we should put the information across. Finally, we’ll use the news to discuss whether censorship can actually be a useful thing, or if people have the right to know all of the details of every news story. Book Now»
This Lesson is X-Rated!
Learn how to discuss censorship, firewalls and whether the media should be regulated.
Who? This class is for intermediate members. Do you think that children are easily influenced and need our protection? Or do you think that they shouldn’t be wrapped up in cotton wool – at least not forever. Does violence in the media need to be regulated by an outside agency? Or should it self-regulate? Although the English Collective doesn’t have the answers to this particularly difficult issue, we can teach you the language you need to discuss it.
What? Are you easily swayed by what you see and read? We’ll look at a few examples of how the media influences people, and who specifically it influences. After this, we’ll hold some discussions on whether or not we need to regulate the media. Finally, we’ll look at some other people who hold sway over our lives and the way that they offer explanations and justifications for what they do. Book Now»
The Medium is the Message
Learn to describe the influence of news and the media on society.
Who?This class is for upper-intermediate members. The media is a central part of our lives. Almost everyday, we all spend time reading a newspaper, watching television, listening to the radio or browsing the internet and, though our media consumption habits might differ, we all rely on the information transmitted by these different mediums in one way or another. This is a class for people who understand the growing importance of media in modern society and would like to speak about across national boundaries.
What? During this class we’ll look at different ways of categorising the media. Is it news or entertainment, for example, and is it old or new, liberal or conservative? We’ll also look at the areas where politics and the media connect, and how different societies view these connections differently. This are areas of hot debate, so we’ll also work on your ability to argue and convince people of you opinion in English during the class. Book Now»