‘You've got mail’: a film workshop

Abstract

This article looks at using feature films in the English language classroom. A specially designed course is described, and an outline description given of a film workshop conducted by students of the Bilkent University School of Applied Language. The effects of the workshop on students are discussed, and suggestions made for ways to use feature films in the English language classroom. The article indicates that studying feature films in such a context helps students in several ways: as they develop a wider understanding of the art of film‐making, they gain critical awareness of how media texts are constructed and how they can be deconstructed; they improve their English in a new context through speaking, writing, reading, and listening; they gain confidence in speaking in front of an audience, and they improve their presentation skills.