CJVA302: Current Political Events
in English Speaking Countries
Let me introduce myself…
- Colin Kimbrell
- New Orleans, LA, USA
- Master’s graduate from FSS MUNI in Energy Security
- English teacher, translator, researcher
- Interested in international relations, sustainable
development, alternative fuels and energy tech
- Other hobbies: travelling, soccer, tennis, reading
Agenda
- Course introduction
- Objectives, requirements, expectations
- Narrowing of the topic & negotiation of
the syllabus
- Video and discussion
But first…
…let’s get warmed up.
Get to know a classmate:
Name
Area of study + year
Expectations for the course
Something interesting 4
Course objectives
5
 Primary aim: to provide students with the opportunity to use
English in relation to a topic of their interest
 Secondary aim: to improve students’ English through
practical application
 Course focus:
 Reading and watching videos about and discussing
current political events in English speaking countries
Course requirements
6
 Regular attendance (max. 3 unexcused absences)
 Continuous assessment:
 Active participation
 Delivering a presentation on a relevant topic
 Giving leads on current issues
 Writing an argumentative essay/position paper
Other expectations
7
 “Stay woke”, i.e. be prepared for class.
 Don’t be afraid to ask questions (you can even bring specific
questions to class).
 Do additional work on your own outside of class and beyond
the course requirements.
 Be open minded and have a positive attitude!
Other expectations
8
Pop quiz
(no internet allowed)
9
Question 1
10
How many sovereign countries have English as an official (de
facto or de jure) language? (±10%)
Question 2
11
According to a 2003 estimate by British linguist David Crystal,
what is the ration of non-native to native speakers of English?
Question 3
12
For half a point each, name the current Prime Minister of
Australia and the party which he/she represents.
Question 4
13
For reasons of abstentionism, 7 seats in the House of
Commons of the British Parliament are “unfilled”. Name the
party that holds those seats (or try to explain the situation).
Question 5
14
Name the two congressional bodies of the United States
government for half a point each. For an additional half a point
each, give the total number of seats in each.
Answers
15
Question 1
16
How many sovereign countries have English as an official (de
facto or de jure) language? (±10%)
 73 (±10% = 63-80)
Question 2
17
According to a 2003 estimate by British linguist David Crystal,
what is the ration of non-native to native speakers of English?
3 to 1
Question 3
18
For half a point each, name the current Prime Minister of
Australia and the party which he/she represents.
Malcolm Turnbull, Liberal Party
Question 4
19
For reasons of abstentionism, 7 seats in the House of
Commons of the British Parliament are “unfilled”. Name the
party that holds those seats (or try to explain the situation).
Question 5
20
Name the two congressional bodies of the United States
government for half a point each. For an additional half a point
each, give the total number of seats in each.
 House of Representatives (435), Senate (100)
Narrowing the topic
21
 What countries do we mean when we say “English speaking
countries”?
 Perhaps better to think in terms of “regions”
 Which countries are you most interested in learning and
reading about?
 How much do you already know about the governmental
structures of those countries and the current issues?
Syllabus negotiation
22
 What are the key issues at present? What topics would you
most like to cover in this course?
Video & discussion: Trump’s speech at the UN
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/09/19/world/trump-un-north-korea-
iran.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
 Did you see the speech? What do you think about it?
 What are your impressions of Trump’s “America First”
approach?
 The U.S. President repeatedly referred to “sovereignty”
in his speech. What is “sovereignty” and what do you
make of Trump’s interpretation of the concept?
23Define footer - Name of the presentation / Your name / Unit, Office