Listening to and Discussing News
- Course Description
- Learning Objectives
- Who should take this course
- Professional Training Certificate Elective Course For:
- Textbook
- Instructor
- Instructor Biography
In order to understand the impact of newsworthy events that take place around the world every day, this course will explore and examine contemporary news topics not only for their sociocultural significance, but their historical significance as well.
To accomplish this goal while aiding in the language acquisition process, students will be provided with English language input sources that support their understanding and bridge gaps in their knowledge.
In addition to actively participating in each class, students will be expected to conduct research outside of class and prepare short presentations to improve the 4 skills of communication and utilize their background knowledge to enrich each session and further deepen the narrative around different news topics.
To accomplish this goal while aiding in the language acquisition process, students will be provided with English language input sources that support their understanding and bridge gaps in their knowledge.
In addition to actively participating in each class, students will be expected to conduct research outside of class and prepare short presentations to improve the 4 skills of communication and utilize their background knowledge to enrich each session and further deepen the narrative around different news topics.
1. Students will be able to establish and practice self-study strategies in order to bring about more autonomy and independence in their approach to language learning.
2. Students will be able to apply critical literacy skills to become more actively engaged with media in any form and to enrich their approach to discussions.
3. Students will be able to make meaningful historical and cultural connections to the major events taking place around the world today.
For upper-intermediate to advanced English language learners who would like to continue improving their English proficiency while gaining deep and meaningful knowledge of world systems and contemporary culture in the context of major news events.
English Level: High-Intermediate to Advanced
English Level: High-Intermediate to Advanced
No required textbook (Supplemented by instructor)
Peter Morris
Peter Morris is a lawyer, journalist, and educator who has been working professionally as a writer/editor for 20 years. As a journalist, Peter has written about China, Japan, and Myanmar. Peter started getting involved in Myanmar during law school because he is interested in refugee issues, and he has been teaching English, law, and other subjects to Myanmar people for 10 years. In 2019, Peter opened his own law firm and his clients are mostly tech start-ups, non-profits, and media creators. Peter is passionate about education and has been teaching students of all ages and proficiency levels since high school. Peter's first students included some Japanese classmates from his high school marching band in Irvine, California. Peter enjoys teaching because he is passionate about helping people reach their true potential and accomplish their life goals. In Japan, this involves teaching people English and other communication skills so they can develop the confidence necessary to engage with global society.