Week 8

[OEE604 - MR.MARKLAND - 2:30-3:30 - 04/04/14]

Lesson 8 - 'Presentation Skills'

Presenting is a common activity practiced in an academic and business environment. For those who suffer from social anxiety, an estimated 75% of us do, it can be hard convey your ideas while attempted to engage an audience. For multilingual speakers this can be especially challenging, which is why this lesson will cover tips for speaking, translating and thinking, in preparation for presenting. 

Presentation Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1ePdwB-DW-GSTUwZFpXdEZ3UEE/edit?usp=sharing


[OEE605 - MR.MARKLAND - 5:30-7:30 - 04/04/14] [Film Club]

The King's Speech (Historical Drama, 2010)

Description: The story of King George VI of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

Week 7

[OEE604 - MR.MARKLAND - 2:30-3:30 - 28/03/14]

Lesson 7 - 'Business Grammar'

Business grammar is a set group of grammar commonly used as part of formal language. This lesson will cover consistent errors found in grammar, mistakes made from both native and learning speakers. To tackle this problem we'll be addressing the differences between homonyms, homographs, and homophones.

Presentation Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1ePdwB-DW-GcTN6eWhNX0UzQlE/edit?usp=sharing

[OEE605 - MR.MARKLAND - 5:30-7:30 - 28/03/14] [Film Club]

The Big Lebowski (American Comedy, 1998)

Description: "Dude" Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it.

Week 6

[OEE604 - MR.MARKLAND - 2:30-3:30 - 21/03/14]

Lesson 6 - 'Understanding and Practicing Pronunciation (2)'

Repeat lecture: Lesson 4

Presentation Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1ePdwB-DW-GZFJJZHc5czRwSlU/edit?usp=sharing

[OEE605 - MR.MARKLAND - 5:30-7:30 - 21/03/14] [Film Club]

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Musical Horror, 2007)

Description: The infamous story of Benjamin Barker, a.k.a Sweeney Todd, who sets up a barber shop down in London which is the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett. Based on the hit Broadway musical.

Week 5

[OEE604 - MR.MARKLAND - 2:30-3:30 - 14/03/14]

Lesson 5 - 'English Slang (understanding informal language)'

In preparation for the business grammar lecture, we'll be covering the importance of English slang, so that you can begin to understand the difference between formal and informal language. This lesson will cover how slang reflects subcultures, their origins and how these words/phrases are used in a casual/urban environment. To conclude todays special topic, we'll be reviewing Wallace & Gromits 'A Matter of Loaf and Death' (2008), as an example of British slang. 

Presentation Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1ePdwB-DW-GZ3FvVUt0WFo4UFU/edit?usp=sharing

Week 4

[OEE604 - MR.MARKLAND - 2:30-3:30 - 07/03/14]

Lesson 4 - 'Understanding and Practicing Pronunciation'

This lesson will cover the basics of English pronunciation, designed specifically for native Chinese speakers. You'll learn how we speak, and which oral organs we use to create certain sounds. A useful method to practice to gain clearer speech is being able to brake down words into their simplest sounds (phonemes). The pronunciation of vowels will be our core focus, with additional attention given to consonants, in relation to phonemes. Activities done during the lesson will help prepare you to speak to Google (easywaytest.com), which will determine if your speech can be understood.

Presentation Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1ePdwB-DW-GZFJJZHc5czRwSlU/edit?usp=sharing

[OEE605 - MR.MARKLAND - 5:30-7:30 - 07/03/14] [Film Club]

Film 1 (Comedy) - 'Life Of Brian' (1979)

As part of our extended program, 'Film Of The Week' has been launched, to help immerse you in an English speaking environment, in order to gain a better understanding of complex terminology, accents and western culture.  

Description - Brian is born on the original Christmas, in the stable next door. He spends his life being mistaken for a messiah.

Week 3

[OEE604 - MR.MARKLAND - 2:30-3:30 - 28/02/14]

Lesson 3 - 'Interpreting Culture'

To improve your understand of the English language, you must digest popular western culture. In previous classes we have covered the 'Watch, Listen, Download and Read' rule, this lesson will cover the 'Listen' part of that rule. American and UK music from the 20's to 00's has been spread by a variety of different cultures and subcultures, reflecting and influencing historical movements and revolutions. As well as engaging in a discussion to talk about a selection of music videos and lyrics, you will will also learn the historical and cultural relevance of these tracks, and how they helped shape western society. 

Presentation Link - https://drive.google.com/a/life.hkbu.edu.hk/#my-drive

Week 2

[OEE604 - MR.MARKLAND - 2:30-3:30 - 21/02/14]

Lesson 2 - 'Basic Principles of Elocution'

This lesson will cover 4 of the 6 principles of elocution established by William McGuffey (1857). You will also be involved in a discussion, analysing 4 famous speeches, giving your opinion on the views expressed by the speaker. We will also cover the 4 main forms of English media you'll need to consume, in order to gain a better understanding of the language. The lesson will end with a 'tongue twister' exercise, an activity designed for you to test your elocution skills. 

Presentation Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1ePdwB-DW-GVGxyUW53VmFUVFU/edit?usp=sharing

Class Timetable

Week 1 – Introduction to English Speaking

Week 2 – Basic Principles of Elocution

Week 3 – Interpreting Culture

Week 4 – Understanding and Practicing Pronunciation (1)

Week 5 – (Practical Business Grammar) Special Topic - English Slang

Week 6 – (Interactive Business Language) Understanding and Practicing Pronunciation (2)

Week 7 – (Becoming an Assertive and Confidant Speaker) Business Grammar

Week 8 – Presentation Skills   

Each class is aimed to help improve your english speaking and grammar skills, enabling you to understand western culture, in preparation for the 'business world'. 

If you have any questions, please contact me via email - mcrooo@live.co.uk

[EDIT - Timetable changed (02/03/14)]

Week 1 - Introduction to English Conversation

[OEE604 - MR.MARKLAND - 2:30-3:30 - 14/02/14]

Lesson 1 - 'Expressing Emotions Through Art'

This lesson will enable you to practice your English skills in a professional setting, offering a platform for you to express complex emotions commonly used in a gallery enviroment. 

Presentation Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1ePdwB-DW-GZ1NMbk9vYk1SV0U/edit?usp=sharing