臺師大圖書館讀書會: Fall 2024 Groups

Hello everyone! My name is Sarah, and I’m from Korea. I’m studying at the Graduate Institute of Management, and I’m excited to be leading our discussions on travel and tourism over the next five sessions.

A little about myself—I love exploring new places and learning about different cultures, which is one of the reasons I’m here at NTNU as an international student!

Over the coming sessions, we’ll be exploring various aspects of travel, with the goal of understanding how it impacts us and the world around us. We’ll discuss topics such as the effects of tourism on local communities, sustainable travel practices, current travel trends, the role of technology in travel, and the cultural exchanges that occur when we explore new places.

We’ll be using articles and other reading materials to support our discussions. While it’s not necessary to prepare or read the articles beforehand, doing so can provide more context for our conversations. Don’t worry if you haven’t read them in advance, as we’ll go through the key points during each session.

I’m looking forward to our discussions and hearing your experiences. Let’s get started and hope we can make the most of our time together!

Thank you, and see you all soon!

Are you fascinated by the interplay between art and poetry? Join us for "Aesthetic Dialogues: Exploring Paintings and the Poems They Inspire," a unique series of five two-hour sessions where we dive into the rich dialogue between visual art and ekphrastic poetry. In the following sessions, we will explore iconic paintings and the poems that they have inspired. Each session will offer a dual focus on analyzing the painting and interpreting the accompanying poem, with a strong emphasis on building your English speaking skills through lively discussions!

Session Highlights:
1.Self-Portrait at the Age of 63 by Rembrandt
Analyze the painting’s details and colors.
Discuss Elizabeth Jennings' poem and its reflections on the artwork.

2.Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh
Examine the painting’s visual elements and use of color.
Explore Anne Sexton’s poem and its imagery.

3.The Fall of Icarus by Pieter Bruegel the Elder
Discuss the painting’s narrative and historical context.
Review W.H. Auden’s poem and its interpretation of the painting.

4.The Disquieting Muses by Giorgio de Chirico
Analyze the surreal aspects of the painting.
Reflect on Sylvia Plath’s poem inspired by the artwork.

5.Nighthawks by Edward Hopper
Explore the painting’s mood and setting.
Delve into Anne Carson’s poem and its depiction of modern life.

Learning Outcomes:
Improve descriptive language and English speaking skills.
Deepen appreciation for art and poetry.
Build confidence through engaging discussions.
Join us to explore the profound connections between art and poetry, enhance your English skills, and enjoy insightful conversations. I look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you!

Are you intrigued by the power of poetry and its ability to connect us to different times, emotions, and perspectives? If so, I’m excited to welcome you to my Library Poetry Reading Group, where we will embark on a journey through three distinct eras of poetry: Romantic, Modern, and Contemporary.

In this group, we won't just read poems; we’ll dive deep into the heart of each one, learning how to interpret and appreciate the artistry behind the words. My goal is to create a space where we can explore the evolution of poetry over time and how different poets, across generations, have used their work to express universal human experiences and emotions.

Throughout our sessions, we’ll explore a carefully selected range of poems, starting with the emotionally rich and nature-inspired verses of the Romantic era, moving through the complex, experimental forms of Modern poetry, and ending with the diverse voices of Contemporary poets who reflect on the world around us today. Some of the poems we’ll read include Max Ehrmann’s timeless Desiderata and the modern classic Wear Sunscreen by Mary Schmich, along with many others that are sure to inspire and provoke meaningful discussion.

In each session, we will discuss the themes, techniques, and contexts behind the poems, all while learning how to read and analyze them critically. Whether you're new to poetry or an experienced reader, this group is an opportunity to deepen your understanding, enhance your English skills, and connect with others who share your love of literature.

So, if you’re ready to explore the power and beauty of poetry, I would love for you to join me on this literary adventure!

Welcome to our exciting English reading session where we’ll explore the timeless wisdom of Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People! This session is an invitation to dive into one of the most influential self-help books of all time, renowned for its practical advice on building meaningful relationships and enhancing interpersonal skills.

In this vibrant and engaging session, we’ll break down Carnegie’s key principles and discuss how they can be applied in our everyday lives. From mastering the art of effective communication to fostering genuine connections, we'll cover it all. This is not just a reading session—it's an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and discover how these strategies can make a real difference in your personal and professional interactions.

We’re creating a warm and welcoming environment where everyone is encouraged to participate openly and feel at ease. Your thoughts, experiences, and questions are highly valued here. Whether you're new to the book or have read it before, this is the perfect space to delve deeper and gain new insights.

Join us for a session full of enthusiasm and learning, where you’ll connect with others who are equally excited about personal growth and effective communication. This is a fantastic chance to enhance your English reading skills while exploring practical, life-changing advice.

We look forward to seeing you and sharing this enriching experience together. Come prepared to be inspired, motivated, and engaged in lively discussions that will make this session both enjoyable and valuable. Let’s embark on this journey of self-improvement and connection together!

Are you curious about European culture? Interested in travelling there some day for vacation, or perhaps for your studies or work? Do you like stories? Then this is the group for you!

In this group, we will talk about stories from Europe (ranging from the Viking myths of Scandinavia to the fairytales collected by The Brothers Grimm), and use them to discover different European cultures.

There are around 50 countries in Europe, so it’s safe to say we won’t be able to cover every country in just 5 sessions. Instead, we will focus on whichever countries the members want to talk about in particular. For the first session, we will talk about stories from the United Kingdom (i.e. Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland), which has, in the past, been a favourite of group members. But after that, members will be invited to suggest countries they’d like to learn more about through stories!

We will have a reading each session, discussing at least one story from a particular European country. Members won’t be expected to read everything beforehand— but do expect to discuss the article in question during the session.

Logistical details, such as time and place of the sessions, can be discussed and modified as we go along :)

About the group leader:

My name is Raffian Rayan Lynch and I have been a secondary school teacher for about sixteen years. During my teaching career I focused on literature with groups between the ages of 12 to 18 years old. My philosophy in teaching literature is strongly rooted in making connections with the texts and enhancing students’ understanding of various themes.

About the group topic:

What is the topic?

"Navigating the Challenges of Young Adulthood in Modern Literature"

Why should you study this topic?

Studying the theme "Navigating the Challenges of Young Adulthood in Modern Literature" is highly beneficial, especially for university students aged 18-20 who are in the midst of this life stage themselves.

First, this theme is directly relatable. The characters in these stories face challenges like finding their identity, gaining independence, and managing relationships—experiences that mirror what many students are going through. Reading about these challenges can help students feel understood and less alone.

Second, exploring these stories encourages critical thinking and self-reflection. As students analyze how characters deal with issues such as self-doubt and societal expectations, they gain insights that can help them understand their own lives better. It’s also a way to see things from different perspectives, which is valuable for personal growth.

The theme also promotes cultural awareness. Books often depict characters from various cultural backgrounds, helping students appreciate diversity and understand how culture shapes experiences and identities. This builds respect for differences and encourages open-mindedness.

Moreover, engaging with these stories enhances emotional intelligence. Students can learn from how characters handle emotional challenges, developing skills like empathy and resilience. This is especially important as they prepare for the complexities of adulthood.

Additionally, discussing these themes with peers improves communication skills and fosters meaningful conversations about relevant issues like mental health and peer pressure. The literary analysis involved also strengthens analytical thinking.

Finally, these stories can be inspiring. Seeing characters overcome difficulties can motivate students to tackle their own challenges and may even inspire them to express themselves creatively.

Overall, this theme not only deepens literary understanding but also supports personal growth, cultural awareness, and the development of essential life skills.

Below are the lists of books that will be studied and discussed:

1. "Clap When You Land" by Elizabeth Acevedo
   • This novel, written in verse, explores themes of grief, family secrets, and cultural identity through the stories of two teenage girls from the Dominican Republic and New York who discover they share the same father.
2. "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon
   • A contemporary young adult novel that deals with themes of isolation, love, and the risks of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. The protagonist’s journey to independence and self-discovery resonates with the challenges of young adulthood.
3. "Annie John" by Jamaica Kincaid
   • Set in Antigua, this coming-of-age novel explores the life of a young girl as she transitions from childhood to adolescence, dealing with issues of identity, family, and the struggle for independence. It’s a powerful narrative from the English-speaking Caribbean that delves into the complexities of growing up.

"The Creative Voice: Mastering Voice-Over Delivery"

If you want to explore the creative potential of your voice, this English Reading Group is the perfect place to discover your capabilities in delivering a variety of creative voice styles. By becoming aware of the different voices you can produce using the English language, you'll be well-prepared to land a future job as a voice-over talent, or perhaps even become the voice behind a famous commercial. Even if you're just interested in trying out and committing to this new skill, you're in the right place.

Voice acting offers a fantastic opportunity to explore different types of voice-over recordings. Every student in this group will have the chance to practice live voice acting in the following areas:

1. Commercial Voice-Over: Perfect for promotions or commercials, this practice will help you master one of the most common voice-over styles.
2. Narration: Hone your storytelling skills by narrating various scripts, allowing your unique voice to shine.
3. Character Voices: Develop the ability to voice different characters, whether young, old, male, or female, adding versatility to your skill set.
4. Teasers and Trailers: Practice delivering scripts for event announcements, movie trailers, or other promotional content.

What are you waiting for? If you want to experience an interactive English Reading Group through the power of your voice, this is your chance! Sign up now, grab the microphone, and show the world what you've got. See you there!

I’m excited to introduce a fascinating topic that brings a bit of my own culture to the classroom: The Caribbean! The Caribbean is a vibrant region made up of beautiful islands, each with its unique culture, history, and traditions. We’ll explore the geography, learn about the different countries, and dive into the rich tapestry of languages spoken across the islands. From delicious Caribbean cuisine like jerk chicken and roti to the infectious rhythms of reggae and soca music, there’s so much to discover. We’ll also discuss the region’s diverse demographics, economies, and the blend of cultures that make the Caribbean such a special place.