Hunan Cross Cultural Education

For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”

This week’s lesson covered unit 7  from the textbook which is about American Literature.  We actually didn’t discuss much American Lit in the lecture – I did point out some highlights and some things to note for the final exam.  However, most of our class time was used on logistics for the Mid Term Projects that are coming up.

If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.

For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”

This week’s lesson covered unit 6 from the textbook and the lecture was an overview of Religion in the United States of America.  We covered religious diversity in America today, described the most popular religions in America and discussed current trends surrounding religion.

If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.

For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”

This week’s lesson covered unit 5 from the textbook and the lecture was an overview of The economy of the United States of America.  We covered the fundamentals of the USA’s economy and discussed some of the unique characteristics that set it apart from other economies around the world, including China’s.

If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.

For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”

This week’s lesson covered unit 4 from the textbook and the lecture was an overview of The political system of the United States of America.  We covered a range of topics including the formation of the USA’s government as well as some of the fundamentals of how the USA’s political system works.

If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.

For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”

This week’s lesson covered unit 3 from the textbook and the lecture was an overview of The United States of America’s ‘Beginnings’.  (The text inaccurately refers to this as “American Beginnings”)

If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.

For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”

This week’s lesson covered units 1 & 2 from the textbook and the lecture was an overview of New Zealand’s history, politics, major elements of NZ society and unique cultural characteristics.

If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.

I just wanted to take a minute to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!

If you are “one in a million” in China…  there are 1,300 other people just like you!

So, what does it all mean?  For education?  For cross-cultural communication?

I’m not sure, but to me, it’s exciting!

I’ve begun teaching about Australia in my Culture & Society class(es), so far it’s been fun!

G’day mate!

I was asked to teach a course at the local university (Hunan Institute of Science & Technology) at the last minute this semester.  Seems one of the university’s teachers was ‘dismissed.’

Therefore, I’ve been busy, very busy, scrambling to put a class in order that was left in a shambles by the previous professor who didn’t seem to care much for showing up to class or covering the required material!

The class is called “Culture and Society of English Speaking Countries”.  It’s a mouthful to say, and the range of material that needs to be covered is huge.  I’m teaching the class in English, as all of my students are English Majors.  So far it’s been fun, despite all the work!

The class is actually taught over two semesters (I’ve already been asked to teach the second part in the spring) with this semester covering primarily the UK and Australia and next semester covering Canada and the USA.  I’m sure next semester will be much easier and will probably feel less like ‘work’ in the preparation of my lectures.

I’ll keep you updated!