Stephen van Vlack
Sookmyung Women`s University
Division of English Language and literature
English in the Era of Globalization
Course Policy - Fall 2007
Overview: This three-hour-per-week course is designed to provide students with instruction in the area of English as seen from a global perspective. Simply put, we will be looking at not only the effects the English has had on globalization but also the effects that globalization has had on English. Once more, we will be looking at English and globalization from two different points of view. These are the linguistic view as well as the political view. Based on this, by the end of the class, students should have a good idea of their own place in this globalized world as university students endeavoring to tackle languages, and particularly English.
Objectives: This course will cover two main aspects. Students will tackle both the linguistic side of English and globalization as well as the political side of English and globalization in order to develop a sounder idea of how they can better fit into a globalized world. In order to achieve these goals we will move the students through three basic stages. In the first stage students will discuss the need for multilingualism in a global world. In the second stage the linguistic side of multilingualism will be discussed. In the final stage discussions of local political situations in relation to English and globalization will be discussed. By moving to these three stages it is hoped that students will truly develop a more balanced, realistic, and more informed view of English in its global context.
Texts
Primary Texts:
In this class will be using three very different books, all of which are quite short and easy to read. They are, in the order we will be using them:
-Trimnell, Edward. (2003). Why you need to learn a foreign language - and how to learn one. This is a very simple and easy to read book on global challenges and language learning.
-Kecskes, I. and T. Papp. (2000). Foreign language and mother tongue. Mahwah, NJ.: Lawrence Erlbaum.
This is a short and rather simple book on the linguistic side of multilingualism.
-Sonntag, Selma. (2003). The local politics of global English. Lanham, MD.: Lexington.
This is a short simple book of case studies in local politics and English.
Additional Materials:
The teacher will be providing students with handouts on a regular basis. In order to hold all these handouts, the students must buy a strong folder. These handouts are to be brought to each class session unless otherwise stated.
Methodology
English Only: Students are strongly encouraged to conduct all course work in English and must make an effort to do so. This means all writing, note-taking, and discussion should be in English. The best way to develop English skill is through meaningful practice and that is what we are trying to do here but students need to try as well.
Classroom: In the classroom, I will try to get as far away from direct lecturing and rote memorization as possible. The focus in this class will be on practice and feedback. Students will often be asked to demonstrate what they have learned by performing a multitude of tasks in the class based on the topics readings. Please, always come prepared or you will be lost in class.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Two or more absences will result in a significantly lowered final grade. Being late twice is counted as an absence. Arriving more than half an hour late is also counted as an absence. Students themselves are responsible for all material covered and assigned in class during their absence. If you are going to be absent and know it beforehand, make sure you contact your teacher as far in advance as possible.
Assignments
Homework: There will be regular homework assignments based on the reading. Students will need to check the website several days before the class to see what the homework is for each week`s reading. Most of these assignments will involve answering certain questions about the reading material and is due on the day we are scheduled to cover the reading. In addition, there will also be other small assignments and group projects from time to time.
Exams
Midterm: The Mid-term will come in the eight week of class (Tuesday, November 23rd). It will be a written test consisting of both short answer and essay type writings. The mid-term will cover only the first half of the class.
Final Exam: The final exam will also be a written exam with different length of answers. The exam will be given in the last week of class (Tuesday, Dec. 11th).
Grades: Final grades will be based on performance in the following categories.
Attendance 10%
Participation 25%
Assignments 30%
Midterm Exam 15%
Final Exam 20%
Important Notes
-Late assignments will not be accepted for marks and missed in class work cannot be made up. If, however, you know in advance that you will be late or absent make sure you contact the teacher and maybe something can be worked out.
-The penalty for plagiarism and cheating is automatic failure. Don`t try it.
Instructor: Stephen P. van Vlack
Office: Haengpa Faculkty Building 206
Telephone: 2077-7761
e-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday = 17:00 - 18:00
Tuesday = 13:00 - 14:00
Thursday = 13:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 18:00
Friday = 17:00 - 18:00
or by appointment
• Make sure you come by frequently. I am often there, so just stop by whenever you have a free minute or have something that is bothering you.
There is a complementary web-site for this course. You must go there each week to get the homework assignments and class notes as well as any other important information.
The address is:
http://www.geocities.com/utlaagt
This is a special tool for you to use. Make sure you use it. If you are having problems accessing the web-site come and see me.