GSIAS English (Thursday)
2016.05.19
We continued our regular routine this Thursday class day, finishing the session with an additional task, creating an APA reference list and in-text citations for some scholarly sources as a little APA refresher practice. Please complete a references list in the correct order for the list of resources we looked at in class. Please bring a completed reference list and an example in-text citation for each of the resources with you to class (on paper) so we can compare notes next week. Be ready, as usual, with words, quotes, jokes and news next week as we wrap up what may be our last regular session because of paper presentations weeks 14 and 15.
Please remember also, we are also continuing expectations for wrapping up our papers. You should have your completed (final draft) and ready to present to the class orally (10-20 mins.) by June 2nd. Please bring an extra copy for me to read as you give your presentation. That means I would like to have a copy in my hands as you present your information to the class. Please do not come to class with only one paper that you need to use.
See you in class!
JBH
2016.04.21
It has been a while since we've had to update this page, because we have managed to build enjoyable, useful sessions every week from the start we made last month. Now that we've gone through almost all of our Bulls in China Shops, it's time to move on to another major project to go along with our usual News Briefings and discussions about current affairs and language.
For next week (4-28) please bring in a one-page proposal (typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font) with your most interesting idea for a brief paper presentation to be shared in about a month. I would strongly suggest that it be a controversial topic related to your field of studies or major interest, and of course, that it be connected to contemporary International Affairs in some way. Please do not suggest a report on a country, but an examination of ongoing trends, problems, or developments in a country of interest to audiences in other parts of the world would work. Potential problems, conflicts, or interesting solutions might be some possible areas to consider. Any ideas are welcome. Let's talk about them next week and get a solid idea where we are headed.
Of course, this will come after our regular news briefing.
Thanks!
JBH
2016.03.03
At our first class meeting, we got to know each other a bit. This class has varying interests and needs, and the instructor will endeavor to meet as many of them as possible within our limited time frame.
The general routine each week will consist of
1. A Word, Quote and Joke of the Day to start things off right.
Instructions are linked here.
2. News briefings: Each student will bring in one news item weekly, to be presented (not read word-for -word) along with commentary on issues or language, questions or discussion ideas on items. Students should coordinate together to ensure that there are no duplicated efforts on the same stories.
3. The instructor or a student will occasionally bring in material for a class discussion. Be ready to digest and discuss a controversial topic of international interest and share opinions that may be different from those of other students (and the instructor).
4. Because I am an English teacher (and a word person), I can't stay too far away from the basics. I will continue to bring in items (hopefully) of interest and utility on language matters. Students are also encouraged to bring in any language/presentation/current affairs topics that are interesting and useful. Stay tuned for more. While members of the class may have different levels of speaking/writing proficiency, there is always something more that can be learned.
5. The first major assignment, A "Bull in a China Shop" Experience, will be presented March 24th. Please read the assignment and be thinking about your topic. We will talk about it in class Week 2. I want you to email or bring a hard copy to class of a detailed, one-page proposal of your presentation by March 17th. (Double-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font). Before you give your presentation, please give me a copy of your written version.
Thanks!
JBH
