In this class you will have many opportunities to express your opinion freely in English. It is very important that you try to take initiative and participate in in-class activities to the best of your abilities. We will use both the textbook as well as other materials that are related to the themes we discuss. As this class involves group work and collaboration, you will be expected to work together with your classmates and use English as much as possible while doing so. In preparation for class, be sure to do any homework, such as background reading, so that you are better able to participate in class.

--Learn how to express your ideas verbally in English by learning a range of functional language

--Develop vocabulary knowledge of targeted key words in textbook

--Gain confidence and fluency in your spoken English

--Develop your critical thinking by careful consideration of contemporary issues and controversies

--Improve your listening fluency and comprehension

--Improve your presentation and planning skills

Important Points

You are expected to come to class as often as possible and participate fully in all in-class activities. Your grade will be determined by 2 presentations/group discussions you will give throughout the semester. Students are strongly encouraged not to be absent from any classes, however, if students are absent from a presentation with a legitimate reason, they will be able to give their presentation in the following week, or in extreme cases to submit a written essay instead of a presentation, to be specified by the teacher as needed. If you are absent 5 or more times throughout the semester, you will receive an incomplete (-) as your final grade.