This compulsory course
consists of four essential
components: oral, aural,
visual, and manual. In other
words, the course attempts to
train your overall ability of
speaking, listening, reading,
and writing. This course, with
a rather unconventional
pedagogy, engages the students
to participate in
(inter)active learning.
Without a given textbook, the
students have to select texts
of their interest with various
subjects ranging from culture
to horticulture. The subjects
will be given at the beginning
of the semester. The students
will be placed in several
groups that are obliged to
introduce their own chosen
text to other peer students.
Remember that this is NOT a
high school English class
where you used to cram
grammar, memorize proverbs, or
rely solely on lectures. If
you are not accustomed to
critical thinking and writing,
do not take this course. If
you do not have enough
self-discipline, you are also
discouraged from taking the
course. The students will have
one-hour training of listening
comprehension. The aim of this
course, ideally speaking, is
to explore your creativity,
rekindle your passion, sharpen
your critical thinking, and
build up your confidence. As
the course is collaborative in
nature, the syllabus is
tentative and subjected to
change. Once the texts have
been chosen and approved, they
will be compiled and circulated.