Module: EL4255 (English as a World Language)
AY18/19 Sem 1
Grading:
- Participation (Attendance, Contributions to In-Class Discussions): 20%
- Discussion Leading (Led by Group): 10%
- Group Project: 30%
- Essay (x2): 40% (20% each)
100% CA; No final exam
Review 1:
Lecturer: A/P Joseph Park (No Tutor)
What it’s about: Essentially, this module explores the role of English as a world language (EWL) in a globalizing world. We begin with the problematization of the notion of English in the first place (which is, in all honesty, my personal pick for module peak); with that in mind, we proceed to exploring the various perspectives surrounding EWL. These include English and imperialism, New Englishes, and teaching English as a world language, among others.
Assignment workload: Expected of a 4k module – which is to say, neither here nor there. Readings are of reasonable length, and the individual essays are short (800 words max.), which made the experience much happier. Note that we had to give two presentations (the ‘discussion leading’ one, and one more as part of the group project), so if you hate presentations you might want to come in mentally prepared.
Thoughts about the tutor: I may come across as obsessed (for the record, I am not) but A/P Joseph Park was AN ABSOLUTE DREAM in the first two weeks of the module; he really shined when he was able to take charge of the entire lesson. Having full control allowed him to lead the class smoothly up to the destination he WANTED to bring us to.
Lessons after the third week were mostly student-led, and were therefore more hit-and-miss. There were more opportunities for students to mess up (at this juncture, I will call my own group out: our discussion leading endeavor was out-of-point at worst, spasmodic at best, and AT LEAST mildly painful for our fellow students either way). This is of course not Prof Park’s fault, but it did make it more difficult for him to maneuver the discussion back to a solid take-home point.
Overall, he is soft-spoken and kindly, if a little stoic. If you want emotional thrill, you are better off looking at a Leslie module.
Project workload & question/theme: You get to choose your own group project topic, so it really depends on how easy or difficult you make it for yourselves.
Readings: Two readings per week; most are of typical length.
Exam: N/A
Recommended if: Yes, if you enjoy contemplating the role of English in our world today.
Rating: 4/5
Expected grade: A
Actual grade: A+
Plain Janes 