Courses July and August 2023
I've done a number of courses recently, which hasn't been ideal as there have been more than were probably sensible. I've taken a few new FutureLearn courses, which are normally best done when they launch, plus continuing with my aim to clear those on my backlog. I also decided to spend the summer working on Open Learn French courses. It should have been okay, as I'd expected the end of July and August to be quieter, but it hasn't turned out that way, and instead of three free days during the week there's generally only been one.
Propaganda and Ideology in Everyday Life (University of Nottingham) I was surprised at how interesting this course was, particularly when it came to look at things that creep in unnoticed, down to the UK sovereign's head on stamps and coinage. Definitely well worth taking and very thought-provoking as to how much is absorbed without noticing.
David Foster Wallace: Literature and Philosophy (Manchester Grammar School) I knew nothing about Wallace before I took this course (it's a new one). It was interesting to read some of his extracts, although I certainly wouldn't want to read any more. The course itself is poorly run, there's an encouragement to discuss some of the issues raised, but no direction and response from the educators, which I would expect on a new course.
An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Accents, Attitudes and Identity (University of York) Another new course, but this time one where the educators did respond which improved the course no end. The more theoretical side was of little interest to me, although I don't doubt it was of use to anyone who wanted to do more, but the affect a person accent can have on how they are viewed and the discussions about that made this another thought-provoking course.
Beginners' French: Food and Drink (Open Learn) At a greater depth than the previous course, it took some of the previous examples but built on them. Will prove useful when in France next month and wanting to eat!
Beginners' French: A trip to Avignon (Open Learn) Lots of work on directions and generally visiting somewhere as a tourist. As I'm going with a group this is less relevant although it never hurts to absorb the general language.
Propaganda and Ideology in Everyday Life (University of Nottingham) I was surprised at how interesting this course was, particularly when it came to look at things that creep in unnoticed, down to the UK sovereign's head on stamps and coinage. Definitely well worth taking and very thought-provoking as to how much is absorbed without noticing.
David Foster Wallace: Literature and Philosophy (Manchester Grammar School) I knew nothing about Wallace before I took this course (it's a new one). It was interesting to read some of his extracts, although I certainly wouldn't want to read any more. The course itself is poorly run, there's an encouragement to discuss some of the issues raised, but no direction and response from the educators, which I would expect on a new course.
An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Accents, Attitudes and Identity (University of York) Another new course, but this time one where the educators did respond which improved the course no end. The more theoretical side was of little interest to me, although I don't doubt it was of use to anyone who wanted to do more, but the affect a person accent can have on how they are viewed and the discussions about that made this another thought-provoking course.
Beginners' French: Food and Drink (Open Learn) At a greater depth than the previous course, it took some of the previous examples but built on them. Will prove useful when in France next month and wanting to eat!
Beginners' French: A trip to Avignon (Open Learn) Lots of work on directions and generally visiting somewhere as a tourist. As I'm going with a group this is less relevant although it never hurts to absorb the general language.