501immigration.ppt version:

CSE 501: “Immigration” Course William J. Rapaport Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Department of Philosophy, Department of Linguistics, and Center for Cognitive Science

You are all “immigrants”! All of you have immigrated into grad school Some of you have immigrated into CSE Many of you have immigrated into UB Most of you have immigrated to the US

Cultural Differences When you immigrate from one place to another, –there are cultural differences to adjust to

Language Differences What are the answers to these simple math problems? 5 into 10 = 10 by 5 = Who “takes” a course? Who “gives” an exam? Where is my “seat”?

Language Differences What are the answers to these simple math problems? 5 into 10 = 10/5 = 2[NOT: 5 x 10 = 50]5 divided into by 5 = 10 x 5 = 50[NOT: 10/5 = 2]10 multiplied by 5 Who “takes” a course? –Students take courses. –Faculty teach courses. Who “gives” an exam? –Faculty give exams. –Students take exams. Where is my “seat”? –My office is in Bell 214. –I have a seat in my office. Better: I have a chair in my office (My pants have a “seat” :-)

Other Cultural Differences Gesture differences: –What does it mean when I shake my head from side to side?

Other Cultural Differences (cont’d) Name differences: –My name is “William Rapaport” My “nickname” is “Bill” –“First” name = Bill = given name “Second” or “last” name = Rapaport = family name –You may call me: Professor Rapaport Doctor Rapaport Bill[but only if you know me very well] But please do NOT call me: Professor Bill Doctor Bill :-)

Recommended Reading Reznick, Bruce A. (1985), “Chalking It Up: Advice to a New TA” Cohen, Robby, & Robin, Ron (eds.) (1985), “Teaching at Berkeley: A Guide for Foreign Teaching Assistants” –Both from: Case, Bettye Anne (ed.) (1989), Keys to Improved Instruction by TAs & Part-Time Instructors (MAA Notes #11)

Website: “How to Teach” Username = Bill Password = Rapaport