University of Shimane Summer Program 2010

Current Events
Instructors: Tony Kazanjian

E-mail: akazanjian@miis.edu

Time & Dates: MWF 9:00-10:30am

Course Description
In this course, you will improve your English skills by exploring local,
national, and world current events. You will learn the types of media through
writing newspaper articles and presenting newscasts and press conferences.
You will also research on a current event topic of your choice and share it
with your classmates and your teacher.

Course Objectives
• Be familiar with the variety of language use in the English language
news media
• Deepen your knowledge of current events in the United States and the
world
• Practice your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English
• Increase your vocabulary

Evaluation
Newspaper article 20%
Interview Summary 20%
Broadcast presentation 30%
Attendance 20%
Homework 10%
 Current Events Class Schedule
Monday, August 2
Orientation!
Monday, August 9
Class Activities:
 Ledes and headlines
 “How to write a news
article”
 Draw up topic list, come
up with new headlines
 Decide on topic for
article.
Homework:
Write the lead
Monday, August 16
Class Activities:
 Interview skills
 Watch interview
 Decide questions for
wharf interview and
practice
 Assign voicethread
article, preteach vocab
Homework
Voicethread #3
Monday, August 23
Class Activities:
 Write broadcast script
 Practice
Wednesday, August 4
Class Activities:
 Introduce the class
 What are current
events?
 Differences between
local/national/internatio
nal news
 Where to find info on
topics
(internet/magazines)
Homework:
Find a current event article that
interests you, bring it to class.
Wednesday, August 11
Class Activities:
 Computer Lab
 Exchange ledes
 Write outline and begin
article in class
 Listen to Broadcast for
voicethread
Homework
Voicethread #2 and finish rough
draft
Wednesday, August 18
Class Activities:
 Wharf interviews
 Discuss interviews
 Decide questions for
host family interview
and practice
Homework:
Interview someone in host
family
Wednesday, August 25
Class Activities:
 Opinions in the Media
 Prepare visuals
Homework
Voicethread #4
Friday, August 6
Class Activities:
 Analyze 5 W’s
 Article interview
 Inverted pyramid
 articles
 Computer lab
 Voicethread
 Give voicethread
assignment, sign up for
account
Homework:
Voicethread #1 (talk about
articles from class)
Friday, August 13
Class Activities:
 Computer Lab
 Peer Reviews and final
draft in class
Homework:
Final draft of your newspaper
article and a photo due Mon.
Friday, August 20
Class Activities:
 Discuss interviews
 Watch broadcasts
 Select topics and
groups for broadcast
Homework:
Outline broadcast content
Friday, August 27
Class Activities:
Current event jeopardy
Homework:
Have fun in San Francisco!