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): 20%


• Written assignments: 30%


• Oral presentations: 20%


• Midterm and final exams: 30%

Attendance and Participation

Attendance will be recorded in every class. Any absence will be counted against your records unless a leave of absence is requested to the instructor by email, prior to or by the end of the absent day. Habitual lateness 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 give a 3-minute PowerPoint presentation on one recent article written from CNN, BBC, The Washington Post, or The New York Times. For the group presentation, in a group of 3-4, you and your groupmates will talk about one of the topics covered during the semester. The presentation should be approximately 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute discussion. Notes are allowed, but you cannot read directly from the scripts. More details will be provided in class.

Note: For group assignments, individual grades will still be awarded reflecting your individual effort, participation and achievement in the group. In short, not every member of the group will receive the same grade.

Written assignments

In addition to the periodic in-class and take-home writing exercises, there will be three written assignments for the course. 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.

1. Summary Writing: A Personal Timeline: Create a timeline of significant events in your life. Summarize your personal journey and discuss how the key moments have shaped who you are today and influenced your decisions and actions in the future. (10%)


2. Emailing Your Instructor: Write an email to your instructor in the correct format. Attach your completed assignment to the email. Ensure that your email includes a proper greeting, body, and closing. Demonstrate professional and clear communication. (10%)


3. Graph/Table Description Writing: Analyze and describe a graph and a table provided to you. Write a detailed description of the data presented, explaining any trends, patterns, or significant points. Use appropriate vocabulary and structures to convey your analysis effectively. (10%)

All written assignments are to be handed in on the due dates. Late submissions may be penalized up to 20%. More details will be provided in class. The rubrics are available on Moodle.

Examinations

All materials, including the readings, handouts, and information provided in class, will potentially be included on mid-term and final exams. The exams will cover vocabulary and grammar questions, listening and reading sections, and may include a short writing task. No make-up exams will be given unless you have received the instructor’s permission in advance.

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• Handouts: To be distributed in 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/

• Study materials for Introduction to Cross-cultural Communication (CCC)

(a) Dimensions of national culture [Reading]

(b) Country comparison [Reading]

(c) Hofstede's six cultural dimensions

• Hofstede on Individualism versus Collectivism [Video]


• Hofstede on Power Distance [Video]


• Hofstede on Uncertainty Avoidance [Video]


• Hofstede on Masculine versus Femininity [Video]


• Hofstede on Long versus Short Term Orientation [Video]


• Hofstede on Indulgence versus Restraint [Video]

(d) Host Chris Rock rapped over Asian-American 'joke' [Video] 

(e) Chris Rock criticized after Asian joke at Oscars [Video] 

(f) People Aren't Happy With Chris Rock's Asian Joke At The Academy Awards [Reading] 

(g) Donald Trump vs Barack Obama: Talking About Women [Video]

(h) The Origins of Stereotypes [Reading]

(i) Stereotypes and Prejudices [Reading]

(j) College Classroom Culture

• Be on Time to Class. Americans Appreciate it [Video]


• How are Discussions Carried out in U.S. Classrooms vs. Other Countries? [Video]


• Deadlines are not Flexible in the U.S. [Video]


• How do you React if you are Uncomfortable in the Classroom? [Video]


• Do U.S. Students Like Having International Students in Class [Video]

(k) Formal and informal classroom culture in the U.S.

• Living in the U.S. – Formal Classroom Culture [Video]


• Living in the U.S. – Informal Classroom Culture [Video]

(l) A Conversation with Chinese and American Students [Video]

(m) How Do American, Chinese and French Students Characterize their Teachers' Communication? [Reading]