Learning language with global issue
1
Issued Date
2006
Resource Type
Language
eng
Rights
Mahidol University
Suggested Citation
Gallagher, Sean. (2006). Learning language with global issue. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/32869
Title
Learning language with global issue
Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This presentation will examine Exploring Global Realities, a core English course
taught at Mahidol University International College, an international arts college for
undergraduate students in Thailand. This course is the final core course of the
English program. The academic purpose of the course is to appraise students’
written and oral presentation skills acquired in the English Communication core
courses through course themes based on global issues. These global issues include
freedom, democracy, human rights, genocide, and non violent resistance
This presentation will focus on the unique methodology we use in exploring these
global themes. For example in dealing with the theme human rights, students first
read selected short stories. After a complete analysis of the theme of the short story,
the students then analyze the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and
associated human rights standards. They then use the standards to create an
argument showing the human rights abuses in the short story. This argumentative
process is then applied to a country with questionable human rights policies. These
arguments are presented to the class and a written paper is submitted for grading. In
this way students demonstrate the written and oral skills acquired in the previous
English Communication courses but on contemporary global issues.
Similar methodology is used to analyze other themes of the course. Because this is
a content-based course, the presentation will pay particular attention to the choice of
materials and how these materials link the themes of the course together.
Lastly a discussion of problems and applicability of the course will conclude the
presentation.
The presenter will show how the effective teaching of language, coupled with an
awareness of global issues, will produce a cadre of citizens who are repulsed by
discrimination, ignorance and intolerance and are equipped to intellectually demand
a better society for all citizens of the world.
Description
1st World Congress on the Power of Language: Theory Practice and Development, May 22-25, 2006. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.