Mistakes in the grammar of spoken English and problems with expression are reviewed as they come up. This course explores historical and current social issues and how they relate to students' own cultural and personal perspectives. Video biographies of leading figures in politics, philosophy, and the arts are used as the focus of listening practice and as points of departure for discussion. Mistakes in the grammar of spoken English and problems with expression are reviewed as they come up. Practice in reading and vocabulary for students at low-intermediate to intermediate levels.
Students read and discuss poetry, fiction, personal narratives, and plays.
Formal and structural issues in literature are explored, and reading strategies are introduced. Emphasis, however, is on developing language skills by speaking about personal reactions to the readings. In this reading and discussion class, students explore current issues from various cultural perspectives. Among the topics discussed are individualism, competition, materialism, and attitudes toward change. It specifically covers the strategies and skills needed to succeed in the essay section of the test.