Medical Science – Reading and Discussion
I. Course Description
Aims: (1) To encourage students to read broadly in English, learn to have fun, and develop a habit of reading for life; (2) To assist students to overcome the psychological barrier in speaking English.
The students taking the course are required to read the original version of masterpieces in English, and to discuss the contents, followed by written essays (1500 words in English). We will also watch and discuss selected videos, including those from the TED and the Youtube. Students would be asked also to recite assignment(s) of special interest to the class, to participate in debates and skits.

This course will be convened jointly by professor Hwan You Chang, Academician PC Huang (Professor, Johns Hopkins University), and a teaching assistant Christophe Lee (MS, Johns Hopkins University).
II. Textbooks
NA

III. References

Three types of medical science books will be assigned to read and discussed in the class: (1) Discover Magazine -"Vital Signs" column
(2) Writings by notable scientists and physicians - Sacks - The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
(3) Science fiction or medical thrillers –
Cook's series - Coma, Blind sight, Fatal Cure, Chromosome Six
Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series
Palmer - Extreme Measures


IV. Teaching Methods
1. Short essay writing and correction of common mistakes in English writing
2. Student presentation and discussion
3. Debate contest - A controversial issue will be given
4. Video discussion - from Youtube and TED
5. Interview skills – (two weeks)
6. Short performance (two weeks)
7. Impromptu speech


V. Syllabus
Week Activity
1 Impromptu speech
2 Presentation/Writing correction
3 Debates
4 Skit /Video discussion
5 Reading & Discussion
6 Presentation
7 Debates
8 Skit /Video Discussion
9 Reading & Discussion
10 Presentation
11 Debates
12 Skit /Video Discussion
13 Interview skills
14 How to read medical science articles

VI. Evaluation
60% Class participation
40% Oral presentation