Weeks One-Two (7/4 – 7/17):

Anglo-American linear communications vs Asian circular communications. 英美式線性溝通和亞洲式迂迴溝通

There is often a culture clash when Asians and Anglo-Americans work together. This is not based at all in ill will on either side, just in the very different communicating styles of our two cultures as well as the different types of culture we have (individualized vs. collective). So for the first few weeks of the class, we will be exploring these differences, especially in terms of language. While I personally believe Westerners in Asia should be the ones to adapt to the culture they are in, it is also good for both sides to be aware of the differences in order to smooth over difficulties.

Tasks:

1	7/4/05 ~ 7/8/05	1. Readings on culture and intercultural communication as listed on EngSite. (approx 3 articles/week) 2. Discussion questions on each reading posted in Unit One of EngSite
2	7/11/05 ~ 7/15/05	3. Response paper to one of the alternate articles posted for Unit One. (week 2) This is a 3-5 pp (double-spaced) paper responding to the materials/argument in the essay. Your essay should include a brief summary of the article followed by your insights into the work.

Week Three

The recent streamlining of English for native speakers

Taking its cue from American business practices, Anglo-American academic writing is becoming more streamlined and less padded. “Lean and mean” has become the ideal. In other words, why use 15 words when five will do? This is often at odds with writing styles in other cultures.

Tasks:

3

7/18/05 ~ 7/22/05

1. Editing exercises 2. Reading on writing style on EngSite 3. Discussion questions in Unit Two of EngSite

Weeks Four-Nine

How to write a paper for publication in English-language journals.

While assuming that all teachers taking the course have mastered the art of research, we will be going over some of the more recent electronic sources of information. But more important, we will be covering things like form required, plagiarism, style and writing an abstract. We will also cover writing query letters and the process of getting a paper accepted. What is expected of you as a writer, and what you can expect from the editor and journal.

Week Four: Introduction to electronic sources

Tasks:

4

7/25/05 ~ 7/29/05

1. Video project on cross-cultural communications due. This project will require that you work with a “volunteer Westerner” in order to role-play difficult communication situations. There are usually a number floating around campus, and if you can’t cajole a colleague into helping, you could try finding a student at the Chinese Language Institute who might be willing to trade time for Chinese conversation. When my mother and I lived in Taiwan, we were forever being asked to be in such projects, and we usually enjoyed it, so don’t be shy! That might be your first hurdle with this course—overcoming cultural blocks to bluntly asking a favor! More on this later. * AIEDL project assistants can help you convert and upload the video files, but not editing them. * If you videotape your communication, it will be the best to do it with a mic and in a quiet place. * If you do not have a digital camera (DV), we can make do with audiotape. 2. Response to classmate’s presentations on Discussion Boards for Unit Three.

Weeks Five-Six: In these weeks we’ll be covering form, style, plagiarism.

Tasks:

5	8/1/05 ~ 8/5/05	1. First draft of revised long paper (this is a paper you’ve already written). Revision based on information covered in Unit Four. OR First two lectures of your lecture series due. 2. Group peer-editing of paper/lecture
6	8/8/05 ~ 8/12/05	3. Readings as indicated in Unit Four 4. Response paper to one of the alternate articles posted for Unit Four

Weeks Seven-Eight: Writing Abstracts and Queries

Tasks:

7	8/15/05 ~ 8/19/05	1. Draft of abstract for long paper OR third and fourth lecture draft due (week 7) 2. Group peer editing of abstract/lecture
8	8/22/05 ~ 8/26/05	3. Draft Query letter OR One page course proposal based on your prepared lectures (week 8) 4. Group peer editing of query letter/proposal 5. Readings as indicated in Unit Five 6. Discussion questions

Week Nine: Finishing Up

Tasks:

9

8/29/05 ~ 9/2/05

1. Presenting the entire package: revised paper, abstract, query letter OR the lecture series 2. Final debriefing questions on EngSite discussion

THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IF THE INSTRUCTOR FEELS IT IS NECESSARY (以上課程會依學員進度而修正。)

Because this is a new course, things don’t always work as planned. If I feel that we need more work on something or less work on something, I reserve the right to juggle the units. But I will never add more work! I promise!

本課是個全新的課程，所以計畫和實際總是有出入。如果我發現我們需要在某個單元花多一些時間，我會修正課表。但我不會增加你的作業！我保證。