Non-Degree / Dates: 13 – 31 July 2026
Prepare to be insulted and offended as you are introduced to the world of vulgar and obscene in this non-dictionary English course.
Students will be introduced to the full range of swearwords, exclamations, insults and everything vulgar and obscene in English, including regional variations from US English, Australia/New Zealand, and Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Students will be introduced to which words and phrases are likely to cause deep offense and which can be used safely, famous historical and literary insults, and further sources of offensive and vulgar language.
In addition, the lowest depths of the English language can be a productive playground for creativity, with offensive and vulgar words being particularly flexible in their use.
Why take this course?
Teacher(s)
Dr David Edwards has been teaching English language at Tallinn University and Tallinn Summer and Winter School since 2017. He was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2018, and has a PhD from University of Glasgow.
Timetable
The course can be taken as an “after-class” course in addition to other courses.
July 14 at 14.00-15.30: Introduction to the theory of swearwords; scale of vulgarity; the basic and most commonly used swearwords in English
July 21 at 14.00-15.30: Delivering insults; historical and literary insults
July 28 at 14.00-15.30: Avoiding detection, avoiding insult; How to deploy obscenities creatively and flexibly
Participants
Learners of English as a second language at intermediate level and beyond; maximum group size: 20.
Students should have English ability of at least B1.
Credit points
0,5 ECTS. Participants should participate in all classes to get the certificate and transcript of records.
Course fee
70 euros
NB! Accommodation, cultural programme and meals are not included in the price.
Contact
