This course will use popular movies as the basis for highlighting and exploring various global issues. Many of the topics (e.g. globalization, environmental issues, immigration, cultural adaptation, etc.) may already be familiar to you from your freshmen and sophomore courses; however, we will be exploring these issues in much more detail. Although movies will be used to present the issues and begin discussion, students should NOT consider this class to be simply about watching movies. There will be a significant amount of work, so those who choose to take this class should be prepared to work hard.
In this class, students will have the opportunity to exercise all four basic language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening). Each topic will include an introductory class (with a vocabulary list, background readings and preliminary discussion), a movie class and a discussion class. The main assignments will be one group presentation (on one issue) and written summaries for each topic. Critical thinking skills and participation in class discussions will also be very important.
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