Course Title

BRITISH AND AMERICAN CIVILIZATION

Course Code

CIVIL330136

Credit

3

Program Level

Instruction Language

Applicable for TESOL Program

Requirement in TESOL Program

Semester in TESOL Program

5

Applicable for Translation & Interpretation Program

Requirement in Translation & Interpretation Program

Semester in Translation & Interpretation Program

6

Overview

In the context of integration, cultural understanding is one of the keys to success. British and American Civilization course helps students (1) be aware of the importance of cultural understanding in the current social-economic situation, (2) obtain the basic knowledge of people and country of United Kingdom and United State through presentations, discussions about geography, history, politics and education, etc. (3) develop reading, analyzing, evaluating skills, and studying social-cultural issues in comparison with Vietnamese culture. Thereby, students not only know the process of formation and development of the two countries but also understand unique features of their population and daily behaviors. Teaching and learning activities are vividly designed including storytelling, movies, songs and discussion, which engage students’ interest and motivation towards learning, communication, language skills and research.

Objectives

 
Goals
 
Goal Description

G1

Background knowledge of British and American country and people like geographical location, history, politics, education, etc.

G2

Ability to analyze, evaluate, study social-cultural issues, and compare British, American and Vietnamese culture

G3

Interpersonal, presentation and teamwork skills in interpretation

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Description

G1

 

Recognize some famous landscapes and people of the two countries

Present some basic knowledge of geographic, climate, resources, history, government, education, economy, politics, etc

Understand basic rules and laws related to immigration and permanent residence

 

G2

 

Identify the geographical locations of the two countries on the international map

Analyze the influence of geographical locations and history on social-economy development

Distinguish unique features of British and American

Distinguish the government as well as education systems of the two countries

Compare some basic social-cultural issues of the two countries with Vietnam like geographical locations, climate, resources, history, education, etc.

Develop the ability to read and analyze learning materials

Select and apply appropriate behaviours in different communication situations in two countries

Develop creative thinking, analyzing thinking, and a thirst for understanding cultural issues in general and British and American civilization in particular

Show moral rules and standards, well behave and always update with news

 

G3

 

Able to work in groups to discuss and solve the cultural problems of the two countries

Able to present smoothly and persuasively certain cultural issue of the two countries

 

Materials

 

Main textbooks:

Gritzner. F. C. (2008). The United States of America (Modern World Nation Series). USA: South Dakota State University

O‘ Driscoll, J.  (2009). Britain for Learners of English. UK: Oxford University Press

Tiersky, E.  & Tiersky, M. (2001). The USA: Customs and Institutions . USA: Longman

 

 

Reference materials

Falk, R. (1993). Spotlight on the USA. New York: Oxford University Press.

Crowther, J. (2000). Oxford Guide to British and American Culture. London: Oxford University Press.

 

Assessment

Assignment

Percentage

Presentation

15%

Midterm test

20%

Project

15%

Final test

50%