Understanding and Discussing Current Affairs

Course Title: Understanding and Discussing Current Affairs

Duration

10 days, 90 minute classes

Introduction

Would you like to be able to discuss the issues which are shaping the world today, and to be able to express your opinions in clear and persuasive ways?

This course is designed to improve your ability to understand current affairs, while also improving your skills to build arguments and debate the issues around those events. You will learn about history, politics, international relations, economics and society while practising your English discussion skills.

Objectives

At the end of this course you  will be better equipped to follow the news, have improved your ability to read and listen for main ideas in English, and have a greater understanding of the background of some important current events. You will also have practised discussing and debating in English, and have improved your ability to recognise credible information.

Syllabus

Each class will start with identifying the main issues and defining the key terms related to a video news item or written news article.

Once the issues have been found, the main questions will be addressed. This will include looking into the background of the events in the source material, and looking at related issues and similar situations.

Likely subjects to be discussed include North Korea, #metoo, Trump’s controversies and anything which is in the news during the course

Requirements

Must have good English and willingness to be involved in group discussions.

Assessment

Mid-course test, participation in class discussions and debates

Instructor

Sean Malcon teaches Social Studies to Chinese and International students at HSEFZ. He has a Master’s degree in TESOL, and graduate-level qualifications in History, Business, and High School Teaching. He has 20 years of experience teaching in China, South Korea and his native New Zealand.