Elsa Amanatidou
Senior Lecturer, Modern Greek Studies. Director, Center for Language Studies:
Center for Language Studies 207
Phone: +1 401 863 7482
Elsa_Amanatidou@brown.edu
Elsa Amanatidou is primarily interested in FLLT Methodology, testing and evaluation and the role of literature and cultural enquiry in the development of linguistic and cultural competence.
Biography
Elsa Amanatidou joined the Brown Classics Department in 2001 after twenty years of working as a language teacher in Greece and the UK. From 1995 until 2001 she held the post of Head of Modern Greek Studies and Deputy Head at the Hellenic College of London, an independent, co-ed, bilingual school. Since 1989 she has held the posts of Examiner and Principal Examiner for GCSE, A Level and O Level public examinations in Modern Greek, in the U.K.
Elsa Amanatidou has taught Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced courses in Modern Greek, including a course in Special Topics in Modern Greek. Her professional interests include testing and evaluation, the application of literature and music in the teaching of foreign languages, the use of drama activities in FL learning and technology assisted language learning.
Interests
Her research focuses on effective ways to enhance the language experience and language development of learners of Greek as a foreign language, as well as of heritage learners. Currently she is looking into the incorporation of various cultural narratives (advertising, humor, graffiti, television, music)at all levels of language courses, as a way of developing language skills and cultural knowledge. Recent research projects include:
1)a digital pronunciation guide of Modern Greek(http://www.brown.edu/Departments/LRC/audios/greek/)
2)a prototype for a listening comprehension textbook titled "Points of View" (http://www.brown.edu/Departments/LRC/audios/greek)
3)a series of web based interactive tasks for self assessment (http://mycourses.brown.edu/webct/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct)
4)an arsenal of exercises based on various types of cultural expression, including advertising and a popular TV series
(http://mycourses.brown.edu/webct/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct)
Degrees
B.A., English, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1981; M.A., Post-War English Novel, University of East Anglia,1982; MA, Modern Greek Studies, King's College London.
Awards
n/a
Affiliations
MGSA: Modern Greek Studies Association
CLS: Center for Language Studies
MLA:Modern Languages Association
Teaching
Elementary Modern Greek MGRK0100 (Fall) and MGRK0200 (Spring) are designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of Modern Greek. The aim is to develop the students' ability to speak, understand, read and write Modern Greek, using a variety of themes ranging from talking about one's self and getting by in a Greek speaking environment, to expressing ideas and opinions on various topics. The course also aims to develop insight and contact with contemporary Greek society, cultural background and heritage.
Intermediate Modern Greek MGRK0300 (Fall) and MGRK0400 (Spring) are continuations of MGRK0100 and MGRK0200 but may also be taken by anyone with adequate language awareness and following a placement test. The courses focus on the development of the four language skills and provide students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with and expand their knowledge of aspects of Greek culture and society.
Advanced Modern Greek MGRK0500 (Fall) and MGRK0600 (Spring) are advanced level courses for students who wish to improve their writing and reading skills. Students are expected to read and write extensively, as they are trained in reading and responding to a variety of texts and encouraged to analyse, evaluate, argue and justify ideas in both discursive writing and oral presentations Although part of each semester is devoted to a selective review of grammar, the majority of the course focuses on developing writing and reading skills, both through constant practice and revision and through analysis of the various styles and registers of written Modern Greek.
MODERN GREEK 1910: SPECIAL TOPICS
This is an independent study course that can be taken at various levels of language competence. It is organised around topics of special interest to the students and aims at an in depth study of areas pertaining to linguistic and cultural knowledge.
Funded Research
Brown, BIT grants, 2006, 2007
Brown, CLS Campus based grant, 2007
