Syllabus

English 5C (U1354, U1599)

Fridays 8:10 AM~10:00 AM (文308), 10:10 AM~12:00 Noon (文310)

Professor Ding-ren Tsao (文612) dingren.tsao@gmail.com

Class blog: http://u1354.blogspot.com/

Office Hours: Wed., Thur., Fri., 1:30 ~3:30 PM or by appointment

I. Course Objective:

An English class is more than just a class for improving your English ability. Of course, we want to see that your English is improved in this class. But we want more. We want you to see a wider world through this class. We also want you to become a more independent and effective learner.

II. Major Course Content

• A. for U1354
  

1. Extensive Free Reading
2. Studio Classroom (for the first month.) If possible, we may change to Advanced for later.
3. Selected articles on important issues from various books and internet.
4. Presentations in groups
5. Student Learning Initiatives 
   

• B. for U1599
  

1. Dictations from Studio Classroom and material from the internet.
   
2. Watch Friends and related exercises,
   
3. Movies, English Play,
   
4. Students Learning Initiative
   

III. About "Studio Classroom"

• A. The reasons for choosing this material: 1. Good content, 2. Good English, 3. Daily broadcasting, 4. Recitation CD (or MP3) is available, and 5. Meaningful related activities such as call your teacher, letters to the editor. 
  
• B. Get your own copy. On Sundays, preview the articles for the following week (to learn about the content, important vocabularies and expressions). Listen daily to the broadcasting. and read the passage aloud a few times (it is very helpful to read aloud after the teachers) or until you are fluent.
  
• C. In class, students will volunteer (or be volunteered) to read aloud and be prepared for dictations.
  

IV. About Asking Questions

No one knows everything. We are all on the way to learn more and better. We are very fortunate to be in this class together as learning partners. The professor, having done this longer, is happy to share with you all that can be shared. To help her to be more effective in giving you what you need, you must tell her your needs. The ability to ask good questions is an important indicator of your desire and ability to learn.

IV. For our class next time (10/03).

1. Read "About Language Learning & Acquisition" (the handout) carefully and prepare to ask at least two questions (write down your questions).
   
2. Get an English book that you plan to read and bring it to class on Oct. 3. (Read the description of Extensive Free Reading carefully before you make you choice.)
   
3. Get the October issue of Studio Classroom and begin your daily listening and reading aloud. 
   

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