Spring Semester: English Language ( IL 4 )

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The main purpose of this course is to  provide instruction to  upper- intermediate and advanced ESL students, majoring International Law.

Key features of Upstream Advanced include theme-based units from a wide variety of authentic sources, a variety of cross-cultural topics, systematic development of all four language skills through realistic, challenging tasks, stimulating reading and listening tasks, a wide range of speaking activities, practice on all types of writing.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students are expected to attend class and participate regularly in class discussions. Students are also required to complete all writing assignments. 

TEST GRADING SYSTEM:

100-93% A; 92-90% A-; 89-87% B+; 86-83% B; 82-80% B-; 79-77 C+; 76-73
C; 72-70 C-; 69-67 D+; 66-63 D; 62-60 D; 59 and below: F

CLASS PARTICIPATION

Throughout the semester  students are expected to attend my class and participate regularly in class discussions. Your input and feedback is essential! To enable interesting and effective discussion, be sure to have read the materials pertaining to that day’s discussion or  topic. Quality and quantity of class participation will be monitored closely by the instructor  and is worth 30% of the overall course grade.

My hope is that  all ideas and opinions will be addressed and welcomed by the class.

REQUIRED BOOKS

Virginia Evans, Lynda Edwards (2003) Upstream Advanced. Student's Book, Express Publishing.
Virginia Evans ( 1995) Round-up 6. English Grammar Practice.

OPTIONAL BOOKS

Martin Hewings (1999) Advanced Grammar in Use. A self-study reference and practice book for advanced learners of English.
Collins Cobuild ( 1991) Student's Grammar Practice Material by Dave Willis.Self-Study Edition with Answer Key.
Michael Vince (1998) Intermediate Language Practice.
Michael Vince ( 1994) Advanced Language Practice.
Raymond Murphy (1997) English Grammar in Use, Cambridge University Press 

READINGS

Upstream Advanced. Student Book

It would be great to keep up with news around the world. I suggest getting your news from two or more of the following sources:

• CNN Headline News. Subscribe at: http:// www.cnn.com/Email
• Euronews http://www.euronews.net
• Deutsche Welle : English Service News. To subscribe,  send mail to "majordomo@dwelle.de" with the following command in the body of your email message:

      subscribe newsline
   

• BBC World Service http://www.bbcworld.com

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Listening Comprehension Exercises will include interviews and listening material which you can find in your Student's Book. We shall also dedicate our class sessions to TV Programmes. This semester we shall concentrate on BBC News, CNN and Euronews. You are encouraged to follow the news every day!

VIDEO AND TV PROGRAMMES

BBC News
CNN Newsroom 
EURONEWS http://www.euronews.net/

SPEAKING ( Upstream Advanced. Student Book )

Our Changing World 

A Job Well Done

Fit  for Life

Live and Learn

GRAMMAR AND  TESTS

The following topics will be discussed in class:  The Future, Register Transfer, Conditionals and Wishes, Word Formation, Inversion, Modal Verbs, Relatives.

Tests 

Self-Assessment Module 3 (pp139-142)

Self-Assessment Module 4 (pp 185-188)

Test1 

Test 1A

Test 2

Test 2A

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS AND THE WRITING PORTFOLIO

Argumentative Essay. Language. Structure.

• Each student will compose two well-crafted  argumentative essays. You may write about any topic you like. Argumentative Essay. Language. Structure. http://www.eslplanet.com/teachertools/argueweb/frntpage.htm

  Writing

  Book Entries

  Business Option / Letters of Application

  Combined Transactional Tasks

  Information Sheets

  NOTES

  • Note #1: Homework is given to reinforce or apply concepts learned in class. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Any missed assignment or unexcused class absence is subject to an automatic failing grade for the course.
  • STUDENTS MUST BE PRESENT FOR ALL QUIZZES OR TESTS.
  • Late written assignments will be graded down up to one full letter grade for each day late. If you anticipate missing an exam or a paper deadline, consult with the instructor as soon as possible.
  • Note #2: Don’t cheat and don’t plagiarize!.
  • Note #3: See me in advance if you have doubts or questions. It is your responsibility to inform me ahead of time about factors that are likely to interfere with your performance in the class.

SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS

February 6, 2006
Registration, orientation and beginning of instruction for all students.

February, Week 4

• Unit 5 .Our Changing World (pp 99-118)
• Listening 5
• Video
• Writing Assignment 5

  March, Week 4

• Unit 6. A Job Well Done (pp 119-138)
• Listening 6
• Writing Assignment 6
• Self-Assessment Module 3 (pp 139-142)

  April, Week 4

• Unit 7. Fit For Life (pp 145-164)
• Listening 7
• Writing Assignment 7
  

  May, Week 4

• Unit 8. Live and Learn (pp. 165-184)
• Listening 8
• Writing Assignment 8
• Self-Assessment Module 4 (pp 185-188)
  

  Progress assessments.

• Test in Grammar 
• Video Test ( Listening Comprehension )
• Argumentative Essay ( 250 words )

  Final Exam

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