Spring 2017 Oral Training One, second semester

Welcome back to the second semester of OT1. I look forward to another chance to improve our English speaking skills. Surjit has graciously agreed to be our TA again, and I thank him for a job well done. If possible, I will invite more guest speakers so you can benefit from listening to different accents of other native English speakers. I myself will continue to provide handouts in English on various topics that may pique your curiosity. Again, I will teach one hour every week and let the gentlemen take over the remaining two hours. This semester I want you to help choose topics for our dialogue sessions. You can propose subjects that you find interesting or even come up with an essay for classroom use. Since you are all Foreign Languages majors, you may also be tempted to pick a poem or a literary text to serve as basis for our discussion. I am not a big fan of lectures in an oral training class, so two-way speaking and sharing of ideas will be the primary mode of operation. I will of course lecture occasionally. Please note that the practical nature of this course remains unchanged. Our goal is to hone your English speaking skills, skills that you will find helpful in your career down the road. I am very happy with your performance—especially your recording—last semester and want to give you more chances to do it this time. If there is anything I really want to change, I want more participation from you in class. I will make sure that I give all of you equal attention, and that each of you will have a chance to speak in class. This semester we will continue to improve your pronunciation. Activities will also include acting and role-play. Again, I emphasize the importance of regular attendance over examinations not just because it is mandated by university law, but more because the classroom is where education takes place, and if you are absent, you forfeit your chances. However, if you can maintain a solid attendance record, you can pretty much expect the same generous grades from me, based on the same formula we used last semester. As always, your feedback and comments are most welcome. You can reach me by sending me an email (drleung@ntu.edu.tw). I wish all of you a pleasant and productive semester.