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Academic English: Theme-Based (American Culture)
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This class will focus on American culture. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of American cultural values and norms through an examination of American historical and political background leading into closer examination of selected topics, with reference to a range of current issues in American society and politics. Through this class, you will not only increase your understanding of American culture, but at the same time develop skills of listening comprehension, note-taking, discussion, and presentation, as well as enhancing your ability to think critically and synthesize information from lectures and readings into your discussions and writing.
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<Theme: American Culture: Values and contemporary issues in society and politics>
The class will feature student discussion, short lectures, individual tasks and other group work. There will be a final exam and an independent or group presentation each semester. Students are required to do outside reading (mainly articles or web-research) in order to prepare for and discuss issues in class. There will also be written tasks, including homework and quizzes. All communication in class will be conducted in English.
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Course Schedule (by week):
Fall Quarter:
1. Review of the 1st semester / Discussion 2. Education 3. continued... 4. Religion 5. continued... 6. Crime and Violence 7. continued.... 8. Media and American Culture 9. continued... 10. Open Topic Discussions 11. Presentation Workshop 12. Presentations 13. Final Exam
Note: You will also be required to complete two additional active learning tasks outside of class time, which will be announced in class.
* some topics may be skipped, changed, or extended, depending on class dynamics and progress.
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Active participation* in class activities: 30% Homework and/or quizzes: 40% Presentation: 10% Final exam: 20%
*Note: Your “Participation score" will be based on your in-class performance, which includes such elements as how often you speak, completing in-class tasks, participating in pair or group discussions, active note-taking and listening, as well as preparedness for the class activities. It does not mean just attendance.
Attendance:
Missing more than four (4) classes in one semester will result in a failing grade for that semester. Three (3) lates will be equivalent to one (1) absence. More than 45 minutes late will equal one (1) absence.
If you are absent, you must contact the instructor by email.
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Students must complete required homework assignments (reading and/or writing homework to prepare for in-class activities). Students must be prepared to participate actively in every class.
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No textbook required. Materials will be distributed in class by the instructor and students may be asked to search for suitable resource materials relating to the topics.
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