English plus Academic Subjects

You will study three subjects, each for two or three lessons per week. When submitting your application, you should select six subjects, numbered in order of preference 1-6; we make every effort to give students their first three choices when possible. Select subjects to suit your interests and future needs. In addition, private tuition in Italian, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Russian and other languages can be arranged for students at all levels for a supplementary fee.

This six-week Compact Course is perfect for students who want to combine advanced level English classes with a stimulating choice of academic subjects taught at university level. This course is the perfect preparation for university. It consists of two elements:

Advanced English Language Skills

• 10 lessons per week
• Includes: exploration of contemporary issues through the medium of English
• Internal and external assessment (CAE, CPE, or IELTS)

Academic Subjects

• three hours per week (depending on number of students enrolled)

Psychology and the Cinema (Anna Scarnà)
This course will use the medium of film to present basic psychological theories involving personality, abnormal and social psychology. Students will watch one film per session prior to a class discussion. The main protagonists of each film will be considered in the context of existing personality or diagnostic questionnaires. The history, experimental work and main debates surrounding each film and theory will be covered. Examples of films include Rain Man (for autistic spectrum disorder), As Good As It Gets (obsessive-compulsive disorder), Little Miss Sunshine (coping strategies, extraversion, stress, depression) Super Size Me (attitudes and beliefs, research methods). The course will develop students’ analytical skills and will introduce the concepts of experimental methods, ethics, questionnaire design and diagnostic criteria for psychological disorders.

Tribes: Identity, Diversity and the notion of Tolerance (Anna Castriota)
In the globally connected world in which we live, many issues (political, economic, religious) divide peoples. Among the issues that divide peoples, identity and diversity are arguably the most difficult to resolve. This course focuses on the concept of “identity” and how it is used to distinguish and unite us all. We will analyse the concept of “identity” through the following themes: National identity and the politics of multiculturalism; whose rights are right; culture, individual/group identities and tolerance in a globally connected world.

Business, Management and Entrepreneurship (Kay Alty)
This course will explore how successful entrepreneurs can create a local business and build a global brand. Students will learn how to develop and pitch a business plan to potential investors and how business strategy is the key to growth. The course is case study based and we will examine a broad range of sectors, markets and brands. Students will be encouraged to think strategically and creatively about business issues, many of which can be solved or improved by the application of universal business solutions.

Accommodation fees

What the Accommodation fees include

College houses

Supervised accommodation from the day of arrival to the morning after the last day of the course; bed linen and towels; room cleaning (weekdays); heating and lighting.

• Accommodation fees include your stay in your house during the mid semester breaks but not the two week spring break.
• If you have chosen to include meals you are entitled to lunch Monday to Friday (excluding the semester breaks)

Homestay

Fees include accommodation as a guest with a local host (appraised and inspected regularly by our Student Services Officer), single room, bed linen and towels, laundry facilities, breakfast and dinner every day (lunches can be bought in college Monday to Friday) and support provided by the Student Services Officer in college. Some of our hosts offer a single superior option (ensuite facilities).

If you would like to enrol on the English plus Academic Subjects course you must:

• be 17 years of age or over
• have a knowledge of English at or above the following:
  • IELTS score 5.5 or equivalent
    (Equivalent = B2 Common European Framework)