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:

COURSE EVALUATION

Attendance (10%), class participation (10%), quizzes/writing (20%) ------------------------ 40%

Individual oral report ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10%

Group presentation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10%

Midterm & Final exams --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30%

E-learning (http://moodle.nccu.edu.tw) -----------------------------------------------------------10%

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Attendance and Participation

Attendance will be recorded in every class, when possible. Any absence will be counted against your records unless a leave of absence is requested to the instructor by phone or email, prior to or by the end of the absent day. Habitual lateness and unauthorized use of cell phone will also jeopardize your attendance records. Participation grade will be based on your before-class 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. However, with an approved leave of absence, missed quizzes, which otherwise would count as zero, will not count towards your composite final grade.

Oral presentations

You will give an individual oral report and a group presentation during the semester. For the individual report, you will summarize and comment on a local or global issue in three minutes. For the group presentation, you and 3 (or 4) other students will research and present your view on a controversial topic. The presentation should be approximately 20 minutes, followed by a 5-minute discussion. More details will be provided in class. The grading rubric for the speaking performance will be made available to you.

Written assignments

In addition to the periodic in-class and take-home writing exercises, there will be three (3) written assignments based on the assigned topics. In each assignment, you will respond to the writing prompts regarding a cross-cultural or social issue. Your papers should show you have completed and thought seriously and critically about the readings and videos provided for you. You are also encouraged to research the topic and cite your sources. The grading rubric for the written assignments shall be made available to you.

Examinations

All materials, including the readings, handouts, and information provided in class will potentially be included on the midterm and final exams. Each exam is a written test that includes vocabulary/grammar questions, a reading section, and short essay questions. No make-up exams will be given unless you have received the instructor's permission in advance.

Textbook: To be announced on first class

• Supplementary readings: To be distributed in class.


• 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/