syllabus (draft, upon discussion and revision)

Freshman English

Fall 2005

Tuesday 8:10--10:00

FTUC, Fu Jen Catholic University

Albert Tang

csalbert@mails.fju.edu.tw

A. Goal

Following a “problem-based learning” model, this course is designed to help students combine their professional knowledge with English comprehension so as to improve and arouse their interests in using English in social contexts. No more “English for English.” English is always there for us to meet our own needs/desire and to improve our own life experience.

This course is performance-oriented! Students will be provided with chances to familiarize themselves with strategic ways of improving their English ability. Ways of improvement include (but not limited to) mastering typing skills, constructing an English Website, reading media-related material in English, oral presentations in English, producing a video clip in English).

All students are required to attend various creative activities in “Your English Corner” (social science library) and “My English Corner”(science library theatre) which are included in the Excellence Program at Fu Jen Catholic University.

B. Description

Typing: http://www.typingmaster.com, test due Oct 31, 2005

each student will construct his/her own self-introductory website.

(website address due before end of September, first draft of the website due mid-October)

**content include information like

(1) autobiographic profile; birth place, blood type, horoscope, hobby, family

(2) educational background, educational experience in the past, now, and future.

(3) traveling experience, domestic and abroad, exciting stories, photos

(4) job experience (career planning) part-time and full-time.

(5) work demonstration, academic or media production.

**Video presentation of each own website. Lasted for at least 3 mins. (due Nov

presenting Taiwan in English (GIO materials) (due mid-December)

Story of Taiwan (VCD version) displayed (by albert)

Each students are required to read 2 sections: Mass Media and Culture

exams: quiz and mid-term, final term; pending upon students’ performance

final exam (January 2006)

C. Evaluation Criteria

typing (those who fail in the typing test will be flunk automatically)

personal website construction and video presentation 50%

Story of Taiwan/ exams/ quiz/ 50%

Any non-excused absence will lead to failure of the course. Student will have to write(email, in English) to Albert (or post message to course weblog) to ask for permission to be away from classes.

English practice opportunities, as MSN with, or Email to the lecturer in English, are highly recommended and encouraged.

Punctuation will be strictly regulated. Spelling should be strongly monitored.

D. Aspects of Taiwan

Geography
Taiwan / Penghu Islands / Kinmen (Quemoy) / Matsu / South China Sea / Pacific Coast Islands
People and Language
Taiwan's Population Distribution / Taiwan's Ethnic Composition / Languages
History
History of Taiwan / The ROC on Taiwan
Government
Constitution / Governmental Structure / Presidency / National Assembly / Five Government Branches / Provincial Government / Special Municipality Government / County and Provincial Municipality Governments / Government Reform
Democratic Electoral System
Electoral Systems / Political Parties / Elections / Recalls and Referendums
Taiwan-China Relations
Historical Overview / A New Era / Public Opinion Polls / Cross-strait Exchanges / The "Mini-Three-Links" / The Landmark Indirect Chartered Flights / Looking into the Future
National Defense
Current Defense Policy / Command Structure / Manpower Structure / Manpower and Equipment / Military Mobilization / Military Education / Defense R&D
Foreign Relations
People's Diplomacy / Multilateral Relations / Bilateral Relations / Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid / An End to Obstruction to Taiwanese Participation / Overseas Chinese
The Economy
Macroeconomic Indicators / Trade / Investment / Economic Ties with China / Services / Industry / Emerging Industries / SARS Impact / WTO Impact / Energy
Finance and Banking
Public Finance / Money and Banking / Financial Reforms / Financial Restructuring
Science and Technology
Public Sector Research / Other Developments
Agriculture
Farmers / Farmland / Water / Crops / Recreational Agriculture / Fishing / Livestock / WTO Impact
Environmental Protection
Air Quality / Noise Pollution / Water Resources / Solid Waste Disposal / Nature Conservation / Cultivating a Conservation Ethic
Transportation and Telecommunications
Railways / Ports and Shipping / Civil Aviation / Highways and Freeways / Urban Traffic / Telecommunications
Society
Human Rights / Crime Prevention / Social Welfare
Public Health
Medical Infrastructure / Health Insurance / Major Health Problems / Pharmaceutical Regulation / Traditional Chinese Medicine / Food and Restaurant Regulation
Mass Media
News Agencies / Print Media / Broadcasting / Motion Pictures / Intellectual Property Rights
Education
Mainstream Education / Alternatives to Mainstream Education / Educational Reform
Culture
Indigenous Arts / Folk Arts / Painting / Plastic Art / Public Art / Museums and the Art Market / Music / Drama / Spoken Drama / Dance / Cinema / Literature
Tourism
Northern Taiwan:Where Ancient and Modern Coexist / Central Taiwan:Cliffs, Clouds and Cataracts / Southern Taiwan:Bucolic Scenes from the Past / Eastern Taiwan: Unspoiled Natural Beauty / Festivals / Cuisine / Tourism in 2001-2002 / New Attractions / Tourist Travel Services / Accommodations / Transportation / Recreation
Sports
Sports Facilities / Sports in the Schools / Sports After Graduation / Amateur Sports / Professional Sports / Sports for the Disabled / Indigenous Athletes / National Sport Events / Competition Accomplishments Abroad and at Home
Religion
Confucianism / Popular Religion / Religions of Indigenous Peoples / Taoism / Buddhism / Yi Guan Dao / Christianity / Islam / Other Independent Religions