Department of English, NCCU

Class Lecture   Lecturer: Nai-yu Ker, Valeria Chen, Amy Chan (Free Lancers) Topic: Life in the cuckoo's nest Time: May 7 (Wednesday) 9：10~12：00 Venue: Ji-tao Bldg. 340309

Lecturer: Chen, Yi-Jun (Assistant Professor of Dept. of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Mackay Medical College) Topic: Taiwan Sign Language 101 Time: May 6 (Tue.) 9:10~12:00 Venue: Ji-tao Bldg. 340402

Lecturer: Prof. Paochuan Torng (Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, NTUNHS) Topic: Introduction to Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics Time: April 22 (Tue.) 13:10~16:00 Venue: Research Bldg. 250302

Speaker: Dr Helga Müllneritsch (Foreign Lang & Lit, NTU) Title: “Between the Normative and the Private: Female Agency in Eighteenth-Century German-Speaking Countries" Chair: Prof Shun-Liang Chao (English, NCCU) Time: 10.10-12.00, 10 April 2025 Venue: Rm 204, Commerce Building, NCCU (政大商學院大樓204室) Abstract: This presentation highlights the value of everyday-life notes and artifacts in understanding the social and cultural contexts of the past. Centring on the Austrian Monarchy in the eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century, it emphasises the distinct characteristics of the Enlightenment in Austria and brings attention to the agency of several largely forgotten female authors. The focus will lie in particular on the Austrian writer Caroline Pichler’s Über die Bildung des weiblichen Geschlechtes (On the Education of the Female Sex, 1810), in which she attempts to build a basis for the public acceptance of working women, and contrasting it with what letters written by the Mozart family reveal about women’s work. By examining the material basis of their lives and works, this lecture seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of the intellectual and cultural currents of the time, highlighting the importance of considering the agency and contributions of women in historical narratives.   Bio: Dr Helga Müllneritsch is Assistant Professor in German at National Taiwan University. Prior to her current post, she's taught at University College Dublin, Uppsala University, and Bangor University. She hails from Graz, Austria and holds a PhD in German from University of Liverpool. She's the author of The Austrian Manuscript Cookery Book in the Long Eighteenth Century: Studies of Form and Function (2022), and has published widely on female agency and book history in the long eighteenth century in journals such as Publications of the English Goethe Society and 1700-tal: Nordic Journal for Eighteenth-Century Studies.  

Lecturer：I-Fan Ho (Associate Professor of Department of Theatre Arts, Taipei National University of the Arts) Topic：Ibsen and Modern Drama Time：March 4（Tues.）10：00～12：00 Venue：Information  Bldg. 140104  

Class Lecture Lecturer: Enrico Yen Yu Liou (MA Theatre Directing at University of Essex) Topic: Oedipus the King, the thematic significance of its theatrical staging Time: November 20 (Wed.) 9:10~12:00 Venue: Ji-tao Bldg. 340107

Invited talks for the MA Course, Teaching English as a Second and Other Language (TESOL)     Instructor: Prof. Chin-chi Chao   Theme: Past, Present, and Future of English Education in Taiwan   Nov. 5 Title: Securing an English Teacher Position and Surviving as a New Teacher Speaker: Brad Jheng (English teacher of Taichung Municipal Taichung First Senior High School, PhD-TESOL student) Time: Nov. 5 (Tue.) 10：10~12：00 ＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝   Dec. 17 Title: Why and how MA-TESOL education is a driving force for teacher wellbeing Speaker: Shih-chuan Wang (English teacher of Private Nanshan High School, MA-TESOL Alumnus) Time: Dec. 17 (Tue.) 10：10~12：00 ＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝   Dec. 31 Title: Growing a cram school “empire”: What did a college graduate do to be so successful? Speaker: Ivy Chen (CEO of Ivy Schools) Time: Dec. 31 (Tue.) 10：10~12：00 Venue for all three lectures: International Bldg. 360201 (TESOL Lab)

Class Lecture Lecturer: Terry Hsieh, Author of “This Taiwanese Guy Speaks 25 Languages” Topic: Incredible "Multilingual Café": Immersive Second Language Learning Time: October 24 (Thurs.) 14:10~17:00 Venue: Xue-Si Bldg. 040208

Title: Enhancing Oral Communication Skills Using AI with Voice: A Workshop for Language Teachers Time: 12:10～14:00, Oct 24th, 2024 (Thu) Venue: National Chengchi University, Room 309, Research Building, No.64, Section 2, Zhinan Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City (台北市文山區指南路二段64號 國立政治大學，研究大樓309教室) Speaker: Brian David Phillips, Michael Cheng (羅狼仁老師、鄭傳傑老師) Online form: Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/ixq-arkb-npw Abstract: This workshop is tailored for educators who are interested in exploring the practical applications of AI tools to enhance oral language skills. Current and future language instructors will learn how to maximize AI tools: * Using AI Voice In and Outside Classrooms * Fostering Meaningful Conversations * Boost Fluency through Natural Language Exposure * Hands-On Practical Methods * Demonstrations in English but Useful for ANY Language This workshop is designed not merely to teach conversation but to reimagine the possibilities of incorporating cutting-edge methodologies into language instruction. No prior experience with ChatGPT is necessary, only an openness to innovation and a readiness to explore new teaching dynamics. Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/9HSpViSAzRg8bKRk/ AI4Edu research project team has a discussion group on Facebook. In this group, we share innovative AI tools and strategies for English teaching and research. If anyone is interested, welcome to come by and check it out! Note:  1. This workshop will be delivered in English. 2. This workshop provides sandwiches. (The ordering list will close at 18:00 on 10/21.)

  Class Lecture   Lecturer: Yi-chin Shih（Associate Professor, Department of English, NCUE）       Topic: Spatial Division and Transgression in Timerlake Wertenbaker’s The Grace of Mary Traverse Time: November 7 (Thursday) 10：10~12：00 Venue: Commerce Bldg. 260308

Class Lecture   Lecturer: Chienhan Chen, Associate Professor, Office of Teacher Education, National Taipei University of Education Topic: International Education through Project-Based Learning Time: November 25 (Monday) 13：10~15：00 Venue: Research Building 250421

Class Lecture   Lecturer: Chang, Rong Fu（In-Service MA student Dept. of Graphic Arts and Communications, NTNU）    Topic: AIGC Music video Generation and Practical Applications Time: October 22 (Tuesday) 9：10~12：00 Venue: Commerce Bldg. 260308  If you would like to register, please e-mail Prof. June Liu: juneliu.nccu@gmail.com

Class Lecture  Lecturer: Professor Jet Wu Topic: AI Script Writing and Film Making Time: October 15 (Tuesday) 9：10~12：00 Venue: Commerce Bldg. 260308 If you would like to register, please e-mail Prof. June Liu: juneliu.nccu@gmail.com

Class Lecture Lecturer: Professor Jet Wu Topic: Script Writing and AI Technology Time: October 8 (Tuesday) 9：10~12：00 Venue: Commerce Bldg. 260308 If you would like to register, please e-mail Prof. June Liu: juneliu.nccu@gmail.com

Class Lecture   Lecturer: Chuang, Mong Chun (Taoyuan Municipal Zhong Li Commercial Senior High School English Teacher, ETMA alumnus)  Topic: Past, Present, and Future of English Education in Taiwan: Experiences from the Ecology of a Professional High School Time: October 1 (Tuesday) 9：10~12：00 Venue: International Bldg. 360201 (TESOL Lab)

Reconceptualizing L2 Writing Instruction in the AI Era  – Speech from Dr. Paul Kei Matsuda   Title: Reconceptualizing L2 Writing Instruction in the AI Era Time: 14:00～17:00, May 30th, 2024 (Thu)  Venue: Xue Si Building 040201（NCCU） Speaker: Dr. Paul Kei Matsuda Sign-up link: https://forms.gle/GXqzQSNBuQmV3Cgm9 Abstract: Artificial Intelligence—especially generative AI—has become a hot topic, and educators and policy makers are scrambling to figure out what to do. Some are excited about the new tools while many are afraid it is going to compromise student learning. Some even see the advent of generative AI as a threat to career opportunities for themselves and for their students. In this presentation, we will explore what we know and what we do not know about the emerging AI technologies and their implications for teaching writing. We will also discuss what we can do to use AI productively while avoiding the possible pitfalls for learning.    Speaker’s information:   Paul Kei Matsuda is Professor of English and Director of Second Language Writing at Arizona State University, where he works closely with doctoral students specializing in second language writing from various disciplinary perspectives. He has published widely in applied linguistics, writing studies and TESOL, and has received a number of prestigious awards for his publications. He uses a diverse array of theoretical and methodological tools to investigate topics such as disciplinary history, identity in written discourse, professional development, writing for publication, writing and language assessment, teaching and learning, and writing program administration.   More information about Dr. Paul Kei Matsuda can be seen on his webpage: https://pmatsuda.net/about   Note: This speech will be delivered in English.   回上頁 回首頁

Title: Harnessing AI Tools to Elevate Writing Skills in EFL: A Workshop for Educators Time: 10:00～12:00, May 13th, 2024 (Mon) Venue: Ji-tao Bldg. 340309 (NCCU) Speaker: Michael Cheng, Jing-Fen Su  Sign-up link: https://forms.gle/D7MoQMvxqnPqrMEc9 Online form: Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/oix-bqyg-iyq Abstract: This workshop is tailored for educators who are interested in exploring the practical applications of AI tools to enhance writing instruction.    Current and future language instructors will learn how to use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to create a learning environment where each student benefits from a personalized tutor, adept at guiding them through the writing process—from initial brainstorming to the final revisions. In addition, participants will have hands-on practice in creating custom chatbots with ChatGPT 4.    Both theoretical perspectives and practical activities will be used to teach how to effectively use AI tools for creating engaging writing prompts, providing immediate feedback, and cultivating a collaborative learning atmosphere. The session will explore strategies to encourage responsible use of AI tools, aiming to enhance students’ writing skills while fostering their critical thinking and creativity.   This workshop is designed not merely to teach writing but to reimagine the possibilities of incorporating cutting-edge methodologies into the EFL classroom.   Note: This workshop will be delivered in English. No prior experience with ChatGPT is necessary. This workshop provides sandwich salad box.  

Speaker：Brad Jheng (PhD-TESOL Divsion, Dept. of English, NCCU） Topic：Decoding the Unthinkable: Winning the Coveted First Place in Two Elite High Schools’ Englsih Teacher Recruitment Examinations Time：May 16 (Thurs.) 17：00～19：00 Link：https://meet.google.com/kzx-pncm-fxj   

We are pleased to announce that Tara Lee, Research Assistant Professor of the Society of Fellows in the Humanities at the University of Hong Kong, will deliver the 54th EARN public lecture online, titled “ The Virtual and the Vital in Romanticism: Reading William Blake” on Wednesday, 8 May 2024. All are welcome.    Speaker: Dr. Tara Lee (Society of Fellows in the Humanities, The University of Hong Kong) Title: The Virtual and the Vital in Romanticism: Reading William Blake Chair: Irene Chan (English, NCCU) Time: 10- 12 am Wednesday 8 May 2024 Venue: Ji-Tao Building, Rm 340407 (季陶340407) / Online link: https://nccutw.webex.com/meet/johsu    Abstract: How are Blake’s prophetic books shaped by the tension between the virtual and the actual? How do his mythopoetic works relate to broader speculations about virtuality and vitality by Goethe, Kant, Coleridge, and other Romantic-era thinkers? This paper argues that William Blake’s understandings of biology, formulated in productive opposition to the pre-Darwinian theories of evolution that were emerging at the time, were indebted to a broader preformationist discourse that privileged the virtual existence in each being over material processes of change and development. Engaging with the wider subfield of Romantic literature and the life sciences, this paper shows how Blake staged within his poetical works a symbolic encounter between two competing ontogenetic paradigms (preformation and epigenesis) to ask unique questions about the nature of embodiment and individual identity. It argues, ultimately, that the anti-evolutionist elements of Blake’s work present a radical critique of the monstrously materialist, expansionist logic of empire and the definitions of vitality that come with it.    Bio:  Tara Lee is currently a Research Assistant Professor and a Fellow of the Society of Fellows in the Humanities at the University of Hong Kong. She obtained her AHRC-funded DPhil in English Literature from the University of Oxford with a thesis on Blake and evolution. Her articles can be found in European Romantic Review,Studies in Romanticism, Romanticism on the Net and The Keats-Shelley Review. She is preparing a monograph tentatively titled Blake and Romantic Biology: Evolution, Species, and Organic Form. Alongside this, she is also developing an HKRCG-funded project titled ‘Visionary Machines: Technology and the Epic in Britain, 1790-1830’, which explores how real and imaginary machines afforded thinking about revolution, progress, agency, and empire in the Romantic epic.