Discussion method in teaching foreign language sociocultural aspect of communication (based on English feature films)

The article examines the linguistic didactic potential of authentic feature films in foreign language classes in higher education institutions and describes the system of working with a film aimed at developing communicative skills and language skills of students. The work is devoted to the use of discussion method at the foreign language classes (for students of technical specialties) at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. This methodology allows students to integrate knowledge from different areas in solving a problem, makes it possible to apply linguistic knowledge and skills in practice, and, in particular, effectively communicate in a foreign language, solve communicative tasks creatively, analyze information and express their opinions. Organizing discussion sessions when working with an authentic film at foreign language classes at university is described. Authentic feature film acts as a means of building professionally important competencies in the language training of a specialist and as a means of preparing students for intercultural communication. In this regard, the relevance of the study is due to the need of studying the didactic potential of the foreign language methodology for familiarizing technical students with the linguistic, regional, social and cultural characteristics of the countries of the English language. The methodological basis of the article is the numerous studies of communicative foreign language competence, including the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard for higher education institutions. It is revealed that the use of feature films, as an auditory-visual authentic material, effectively contributes to the formation of communicative skills in situations of real communication. The materials of the article are of practical importance and can be supplemented and expanded to create a full-fledged methodological manual.