Type of Credit: Partially Required
Credit(s)
Number Registered
This course aims to improve students' English proficiency with a special focus on increasing the awareness of cultural differences between groups. Through textbook reading, film watching, essay writing and oral presentation, this course expects to enhance students’ four skills.
能力項目說明
Objectives:
Students will read extensively on topics relevant to modern society, and will be encouraged to conduct in-class presentations on the topics. Students will also learn to work in groups and brainstorm with their peers in search for constructive opinions. Reading and speaking are equally emphasised in this class and students will acquire the skills and confidence needed for both critical reading and public speaking.
Outcomes:
1. To be able to read skillfully and analytically
2. To be able to present his or her own opinions in a structured way
3. To be able to engage in a broad range of topics that are crucial in today's society
週次 Week | 課程主題 Course Theme | 課程內容與指定閱讀 Content and Reading Assignment | 教學活動與作業 Activity and Homework | 學習投入時數 Estimated time devoted to coursework per week | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
課堂講授 Lecture Hours | 課程前後 Preparation Time | ||||
1
|
Orientation |
Introducing the course |
Group assignment |
2.0
|
3.0
|
2
|
Culture Awareness I |
"Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions" |
In-class writing (250 words) |
2.0
|
4.0
|
3
|
Chapter 1-1: Above Manhattan |
High Line History, Narrated by Ethan Hawke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1tVsezifw4 |
Listening quiz |
2.0
|
4.0
|
4
|
Chapter 1-2: Under Paris |
Under Paris - History of the Catacombs, Sewers, and Metro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9LWMArnNvQ |
Listening quiz |
2.0
|
4.0
|
5
|
Review and Reflection 1 |
Personal speeches: "The City that Impresses Me the Most" |
Personal speeches |
2.0
|
4.0
|
6
|
Chapter 2-1: The Snow Patrol |
Human Planet | Arctic: Greenland sled dogs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeDv3hVcc8A |
Listening quiz |
2.0
|
4.0
|
7
|
Chapter 2-2: Into the Volcano |
Scientist gets too close to lava lake! - Richard Hammond's Journey to the Centre of the Planet - BBC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egEGaBXG3Kg |
Listening quiz |
2.0
|
4.0
|
8
|
Review and Reflection 2 |
Personal speeches: "My Dream Job" |
Personal speeches |
2.0
|
4.0
|
9
|
Culture Awareness II |
"Stereotypes" |
In-class writing (250 words) |
2.0
|
4.0
|
10
|
Midterm Exam |
Midterm exam (speaking test) |
3 minutes prompt speech |
2.0
|
4.0
|
11
|
Chapter 3-1: Path of the Jaguar |
Film watching: "The Human Planet" (BBC documentary) |
Speaking homework |
2.0
|
4.0
|
12
|
Chapter 3-2: Champion of the Underdog |
Film watching: "The Human Planet" (BBC documentary) |
Speaking homework |
2.0
|
4.0
|
13
|
Review and Reflection 3 |
Personal speeches: "My Animal Friend" |
Personal speeches |
2.0
|
4.0
|
14
|
Culture Awareness III |
"Education" |
In-class writing (250 words) |
2.0
|
4.0
|
15
|
Chapter 4-1: Sun Struck |
The Sun: Crash Course Astronomy #10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b22HKFMIfWo |
Listening quiz |
2.0
|
4.0
|
16
|
Chapter 4-2: Tracking Tsunamis |
Rare Video: Japan Tsunami | National Geographic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWzdgBNfhQU |
Listening quiz |
2.0
|
4.0
|
17
|
Review and Reflection |
Personal Speeches: "My Relationship with Nature" |
Personal speeches |
2.0
|
4.0
|
18
|
Final exam |
Final exam |
Written test |
2.0
|
3.0
|
Grading Criteria:
Attendance: 10%
Quizzes: 10%
Writing exercises: 20%
Personal Speech: 20%
Midterm exam: 20%
Final exam: 20%
Requirements:
You are required to attend classes regularly and on time. Unexcused absences, tardiness or early departure will damage your attendance grade. Contact me about your absence before class if you must miss class. *You will not be allowed to take final exam if you have FIVE (or more) unexcused absences.
Speaking up in class, either being called or voluntarily, will add points to your participation grade. Try to catch any opportunity to speak up in class to earn bonus points!
Focus: Reading and Vocabulary 4
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