INSTITUTO TECNOLOGICO Y DE ESTUDIOS SUPERIORES DE MONTERREY

Departamento de Humanidades

Campus Monterrey

 

LENGUA EXTRANJERA C

HI-95-053 READINGS FROM NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE

 

SEMESTER IN WHICH THIS COURSE SHOULD BE TAKEN:

This course should be taken during the first semester of the students university studies.

 

PREREQUISITE FOR THIS COURSE:

Students who have a score of at least 570 on the TOEFL test are eligible to take this course.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Through authentic readings from NEWSWEEK magazine, this course will introduce students to articles, essays, reviews, and letters written on current issues such as: politics and world affairs, lifestyles, education, environment, fads and fashions.

Through the use of LITTLE, BROWN HANDBOOK the course will cover the basics of writing: the writing process, paragraphs, clarity and style, grammar and usage, punctuation, mechanics, and the research paper.

 

GENERAL GOAL:

The overall goal of this course is to improve language skills in English, learn about national and international events, and develop thinking skills, learning skills, attitudes and values, in order to become agents of change in society.

 

SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this course students should:

  • - be able to read, understand and enjoy authentic English texts written for native audiences.

    - write clear, well-organized essays, letters and research reports.

    - understand English spoken at a normal rate in conversations, conferences, and videos.

    - be able to participate successfully in discussions, debates, and oral presentations in English.

    - be aware of important current events on the local, national and international levels.

    - be proficient in the higher-order thinking skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

    - be able to support an argument successfully.

    - be able to identify problems and find creative solutions.

    - know how to search for information.

    - be proficient in the use of advanced technology for learning and communication.

    - appreciate the value of moral excellence.

    - be tolerant and flexible with respect to the ideas and customs of others.

    - be able to collaborate successfully with others in achieving common goals.

    - assume responsibility for their lives and accept the consequences of their decisions.

    - be accustomed to doing quality work.

    - be committed to improving their community.

    •

    MAJOR TOPICS:

    The following are examples of thematic topics frequently covered in each Newsweek magazine:

  • l. World Affairs

    2. Europe

    3. U.S. Affairs

    4. Asia

    5. Business

    6. Society and the Arts

    7. Entertainment

    •

     

    SPECIFIC ENGLISH SKILLS TO BE DEVELOPED:

    Reading Skills

  • Reading for the main idea, reading for specific details, skimming , scanning , reading "between the lines", reading for pleasure vs. for intensive study
    •

    Listening Skills

  • Listening skills for effective oral participation, following main ideas of a discussion or presentation, distinguishing fact from opinion, comprehending pertinent vocabulary
    •

    Writing Skills

  • Note-taking; writing sentences and paragraphs; writing expository, narrative, description, and persuasion papers; paraphrasing and summarizing; writing essay-length responses; editing and revising; writing a research paper
    •

    Speaking Skills

  • Becoming involved in both small-group and class discussions; making oral reports to the class; participating in panel discussions and debates; expressing personal viewpoints
    •

     

    ADDITIONAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES

    1. Videos on current events

    2. The Creative Writing Contest

     

     

    SUGGESTED EVALUATION:

    A. The grade for the first three months will be determined as follows:

    -Attitudinal evaluation 10%

    - Homework 10%

    - Oral presentation 10%

    - Essay 30%

    - Exam 40%

    B. The grade for the fourth month will be determined as follows:

    - Oral participation and/or homework 30%

    - Written Exam 70%

    C. Final Grade

    - Monthly Average 60%

    - Fourth Month (Exam, Debates or Oral Presentations) 20%

    - Research Project 20%

     

     

    ATTENDANCE:

    This course is a one-semester, sixteen week course. Classes are held five times a week. Three hours per week should be devoted to the material from the reading text. The other two hours will be devoted to the writing component using the writing text. Work outside the classroom consists of three hours per week.

     

    The maximum number of allowed absences is ten. A student with a greater number of absences will forfeit the right to a final exam.

     

     

    TEXTBOOKS:

  • The students will be required to buy a six-month subscription to Newsweek Magazine, 251 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019.

     

    •

    Fowler, H. and Jane E. Aaron. The Little, Brown Handbook. 6th ed. New York: Harper Collins Publishers Inc. 1995.