The purpose of this course is to introduce non-Americans to the diversity and complexity of American culture.  The reasons for understanding culture are many: 

·        it enriches one's language ability to be able to culturally contextualize language usage;

·        it makes reading American newspapers, magazines and literature easier as one can grasp the background more easily;

·        it opens doors to intercultural communication.

In this class we will be using short readings written for non-Americans and non-English speakers, newspaper and magazine articles.  We will also be watching Hollywood films of contemporary American life and then have guided discussions of the cultural aspects of those films.

Class discussions will include participation in on-line asynchronous discussions.  Students will also be required to prepare written responses to questions on the films and readings.  These written responses count as homework.

I will also be available for live chats two hours a week.  Students are encouraged to attend these chats, especially to discuss nuances of American culture.

By the end of this course, students should be able to

·        List major aspects of modern American culture

·        Read American newspapers and magazines with greater ease and understanding

·        Discuss American films with greater understanding

本課修畢後，學生應該可以

   l          了解美國文化的主要層面；
   l          閱讀美國報紙較得心應手；
   l           更透徹地討論美國電影。

     作業：於群英網教學平台繳交

Classwork/Homework        20 (total of 5 written assignments)

Discussion questions           40 (total of 30 graded discussion board questions)   

Midterm                             20 essay and short answers

                      Final                                  20 essay and short answers