Class time will be devoted to activities that allow you to practice and interact in English. To successfully complete the course, you must prepare the assigned homework prior to class and, while in class actively participate in discussions and pair/group work. Your final grades are determined by the following course components:

• Participation (including attendance, class discussion, and homework): 15%


• Oral presentations: 20%


• Written assignments: 20%


• Midterm and final exams: 40%


• Others (e.g., in-class exercises/quizzes): 5%

Participation

Your participation grade will be based on your attendance, homework preparation, and the contribution you make to the learning experience of others. Contribution includes your in-class questions to the instructor, insights and comments regarding class content, answers to the instructor’s questions, and reactions to other students’ contributions.

In-class exercises/quizzes

Periodically throughout the semester, writing/listening exercises and pop quizzes will be given in class. These exercises and quizzes can NOT be made up. 

Oral presentations

You will participate in a group academic presentation. Along with three other students, you will research, present, and defend your perspective on a controversial topic. The presentation should last approximately 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute discussion session. Please schedule a meeting with the instructor two weeks before your presentation to discuss your topic and outline. Further details will be provided in class.

Written assignments

There will be three major written assignments in addition to in-class and take-home writing exercises. In each assignment, you will respond to the writing prompts regarding a cross-cultural issue. Your paper should demonstrate that you have thought seriously and critically about the topic and made effective use of the resources provided. You are also encouraged to research the topic and cite your sources. The grading rubric for the written assignments is available on the class website.

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 written test, and the final exam contains a written test and a speaking test. The written tests include vocabulary/grammar questions, a listening/reading section, and short writing tasks. The speaking test requires you to answer two or more questions, each question for three minutes. The instructor will evaluate your ability to respond to the questions appropriately and to speak for an extended period of time without hesitation, deviation, or repetition. The grading rubric for the speaking test is available on the class website. No make-up exams will be given unless you provide documentation of a true emergency.

Course materials:

Supplementary readings

Resources:

VoiceTube: https://tw.voicetube.com

BBC Learning English: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

TED talks: https://www.ted.com/talks

LTTC BESTEP: https://bestep.tw/