Type of Credit: Elective
Credit(s)
Number of Students
English for Mass Communication has been designed with the aim of nurturing students’ expertise in English communication, fostering their ability to think creatively, solve problems, and effectively practice communication. By enrolling in this course, students can anticipate the acquisition of valuable skills that will enhance their prospects for future academic pursuits and employment.
The course structure revolves around unit themes that focus on the practical application of English communication in diverse contexts. Specific units included in the design encompass a wide range of subjects, including an overview of communication applications, multimedia production of English communication such as podcast creation, video production, script development, and so on.
Through active participation in this course, students will not only improve their English language proficiency, but also gain hands-on experience in applying their mass communication skills in real-life scenarios. The knowledge and expertise they acquire throughout this course will prove advantageous as they pursue further educational or career opportunities.
能力項目說明
This course has been carefully designed to offer students the chance to enhance their ability to effectively convey their messages to an audience when communicating in English. Students will receive ongoing support and guidance to address any challenges they encounter throughout the course.
The objectives & learning outcomes of the course include:
|
Week |
Topic |
Content and Reading Assignment |
Teaching Activities and Homework |
|
1 |
Course Introduction |
Needs analysis |
Getting to know each other |
|
2 |
Media Literacy |
Types of Communication |
Speaking task and group discussion |
|
3 |
Managing communication |
Self-media and promotion |
Speaking task and group discussion |
|
4 |
Fundamental aspects of verbal communication |
|
Group work: to start a podcast: intro & outro |
|
5 |
Effectiveness of self-media |
Public speaking, strategies and rhetorical devices |
Assignment Due |
|
6 |
Digital communication and production |
Reviewing and practicing scripts for a podcast |
Group work: to create a podcast episode |
|
7 |
Oral communication skills |
|
Group Presentation I |
|
8 |
Exhibition as a communication tool |
Using exhibitions to communicate ideas and concepts |
Group work: introducing an exhibition |
|
9 |
Mid-term exam |
Exam |
Exam |
|
10 |
News, Discourse and Communication |
|
Group work: video pre-production |
|
11 |
Nonverbal communication |
|
Group Presentation II |
|
12 |
Video Communication |
|
Group work: Video production and editing |
|
13 |
Current issues regarding mass communication |
Reading exercise: Challenges, trends and future |
Writing task and group discussion |
|
14 |
Preparing and presenting persuasive speeches |
Agreeing and disagreeing, expressing opinions and demanding explanations |
Group Presentation III |
|
15 |
Culture and media |
Conflict across cultures |
Writing task and group work |
|
16 |
Final exam |
Exam |
Exam |
ASSIGNMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS
You are expected to:
- participate actively in all in-class activities and discussion;
- attend each class and be on time;
- to submit an individual assignment;
- conduct a group oral presentation;
- collaboratively complete a podcast episode within a small group comprising 2-3 individuals;
- to produce a short video in a small group consisting of 2-3 individuals;
- attend a mid-term examination;
- attend a final examination.
Your final grades are determined by the following course components:
Attendance
Attendance will be recorded in every class, when possible. Habitual lateness and unauthorized use of cell phone will also jeopardize your attendance records. A leave of absence should be arranged beforehand or soon afterwards with proper documentation.
Class Participation
Class participation refers to your active involvement in the class activities including your in-class questions to the instructor, insights and comments regarding class content, responses to the instructor’s questions, and reactions to other students’ contributions.
Oral presentations
You will give an individual oral report and a group presentation during the semester. For the individual report, you will give a 7-minute personal talk. For the group presentation, you and two other students will present on a given topic. The presentation should be approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 7-minute discussion. Each group is welcome to meet with the instructor prior to their presentation to discuss their presentation outline. More details will be provided in class.
Examinations
All materials, including the readings, handouts, and information provided in class will potentially be included on mid-term and final exams. The mid-term exam is a speaking test, and the final exam is a written test. The speaking test requires you to deliver an individual oral presentation. The instructor will assess your subject knowledge, presentation skills, English proficiency, and your ability to respond to questions appropriately. The grading rubric for the speaking test is available on the class website. The written test requires you to examine a script, such as a podcast or video script. Your performance will be evaluated based on the quality of your analysis, your language proficiency in conveying your ideas, your ability to present critical perspectives, and the coherence of your analysis. The grading rubric for the written test is available on the class website. No make-up exams will be given unless you have received the instructor’s permission in advance.
The use of generative AI tools
The use of generative AI tools is permitted in this course for the following activities:
Brainstorming
Fine-tuning your responses/answers to enhance readability
Searching for information on your topic
Creating a framework to structure your ideas
Checking grammar, spelling and punctuation.
To be announced.
1. TED: https://www.youtube.com/@TED 2. Standford Graduate School of Business (Make body language your super power): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFLjudWTuGQ 3. Letter Live: https://www.youtube.com/@LettersLive 4. Luke’s English podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@LukesEnglishPodcast