《高级英语》课程授课教案（第六册）Unit 1 Technology in Reverse Robert J. Samuelson

Unit One Technology in Reverse Robert J.Samuelson I.Teaching Aims: 1.To get the students know the style of an exposition. 2.To have the students understand the satirical words and sentences used in the essay. 3.To get students grasp the key words and sentences structures. II.Teaching Importance and Difficulties: 1.Understand the author's main purpose of writing the essay. 2.Know the writing strategies of the text. 3.Grasp the key language points in the text. III.Teaching periods:6 periods IV.Teaching steps: 1.Warm-up Questions: 1)How has modern technology influenced our lives? 2)Some one once pointed out that modern men are becoming the slaves of the modern technology, what is your view? 2.Information related to the text: 1)About the author: Robert J.Samuelson (1945-) Born Robert Jacob Samuelson on December 23,1945 is a contributing editor of Newsweek and Washington Post.Samuelson was named one of the "100 Most Influential Business Journalists"of 1998 by The Journalist and Financial Reporter newsletter.Robert Samuelson joined Newsweek as a contributing editor in 1984.One of the magazine's most recognized writers. his bi-weekly columns analyze and report socioeconomic issues. In addition to his Newsweek column,Samuelson writes a bi-weekly column,which appears in The Washington Post,The Los Angeles Times,The Boston Globe and other papers.His columns are sold in syndication by The Washington Post Writers Group.In 2001,a collection of his columns from Newsweek and The Washington Post was published in a book entitled, "Untruth:Why the Conventional Wisdom Is [Almost Always]Wrong,"by Random House Samuelson is a graduate of Harvard University with a B.A.in government.Based in Newsweek's Washington bureau,he lives in Bethesda,Md.,with his wife Judith Herr,their daughter and two sons. 2)About the text:In the exposition,the author defines the term "retarded technology",which creates new and expensive ways of doing things that were once done simply and inexpensively,or even doing things that needn't doing at all.His purpose is to give a wry look at the less obvious disadvantages of innovative application of technology.By listing plenty of examples,the author illustrates that technology may not always push the world ahead,and that it sometimes holds it back.What the author is concerned with is the prevailing misuse of technology that is ordained by our ego and money 3.Detailed Study of the Text: Text Analysis The essay can be divided into 3 parts. Part I(Para.1):The author defines the term"retarded technology". Part II(Para 2-Para.9):By listing plenty of examples of retarded technology,the author expresses his doubt about the pro-technology theory;then explores the reason why people are frivolous about retarded technology. Part IIl(Para.10-Para.11):In the conclusion,the author mentions the arithmetic trouble with retarded technology with self-evident truth:a standard notebook is far simple and

Unit One Technology in Reverse Robert J. Samuelson I. Teaching Aims: 1. To get the students know the style of an exposition. 2. To have the students understand the satirical words and sentences used in the essay. 3. To get students grasp the key words and sentences structures. II. Teaching Importance and Difficulties: 1. Understand the author’s main purpose of writing the essay. 2. Know the writing strategies of the text. 3. Grasp the key language points in the text. III. Teaching periods: 6 periods IV. Teaching steps: 1. Warm-up Questions: 1) How has modern technology influenced our lives? 2) Some one once pointed out that modern men are becoming the slaves of the modern technology, what is your view? 2. Information related to the text: 1) About the author: Robert J. Samuelson (1945-) Born Robert Jacob Samuelson on December 23, 1945 is a contributing editor of Newsweek and Washington Post. Samuelson was named one of the "100 Most Influential Business Journalists" of 1998 by The Journalist and Financial Reporter newsletter. Robert Samuelson joined Newsweek as a contributing editor in 1984. One of the magazine's most recognized writers, his bi-weekly columns analyze and report socioeconomic issues. In addition to his Newsweek column, Samuelson writes a bi-weekly column, which appears in The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe and other papers. His columns are sold in syndication by The Washington Post Writers Group. In 2001, a collection of his columns from Newsweek and The Washington Post was published in a book entitled, "Untruth: Why the Conventional Wisdom Is [Almost Always] Wrong," by Random House. Samuelson is a graduate of Harvard University with a B.A. in government. Based in Newsweek's Washington bureau, he lives in Bethesda, Md., with his wife Judith Herr, their daughter and two sons. 2) About the text: In the exposition, the author defines the term “retarded technology”, which creates new and expensive ways of doing things that were once done simply and inexpensively, or even doing things that needn’t doing at all. His purpose is to give a wry look at the less obvious disadvantages of innovative application of technology. By listing plenty of examples, the author illustrates that technology may not always push the world ahead, and that it sometimes holds it back. What the author is concerned with is the prevailing misuse of technology that is ordained by our ego and money. 3. Detailed Study of the Text: Text Analysis The essay can be divided into 3 parts. Part I(Para. 1): The author defines the term “retarded technology”. Part II(Para. 2—Para. 9): By listing plenty of examples of retarded technology, the author expresses his doubt about the pro-technology theory; then explores the reason why people are frivolous about retarded technology. Part III(Para. 10—Para. 11): In the conclusion, the author mentions the arithmetic trouble with retarded technology with self-evident truth: a standard notebook is far simple and

cheaper that"personal digital assistants"when performing the same function. Analysis Part I(Para.1): In this part,the author mainly defines the term"retarded technology".Here,the following two points need to be noticed:1)the author by no means disapproves of all technology,because he classifies technology into two categories,"advanced technology"and"retarded technology",then setting the tone of the essay:to discuss the misconception and misuse of technology.2)".made waste respectable,elaborate,alluring and even fun"is explained in Para.7 by "social Status,Adult Play,The Mount Everest Effect." Q:What is"retarded technology"and what is "advanced technology"?How do they differ from each other? Language points 1.Let me introduce you to retarded technology. -The author here implies that technology may not always push the world ahead,and that it sometimes holds it back. Retarded:returning to worse conditions,methods,ideas,etc. e.g.mentally/emotionally retarded A rise in interest rates would severely retard economic growth. 2.It has made waste respectable,elaborate,alluring and even fun Respectable:highly regarded Elaborate:intricate Alluring:attractive Part II (Para.2-Para.9) Section 1(Para 2-Para4):In these paragraphs the author compares e-books with "old-fashioned" books in an attempt to show the disadvantages of the former -they are both costlier and bulkier. Furthermore,it is unnecessary and wasteful,since most people do nor really need access to the entire collection of a public library. Language Points 1.If you take it to the beach,it gets clogged with sand. -If you take it to the beach,it gets blocked with sand,which results in its malfunctioning. 2.Losing it is not a traumatizing event.-Even if you lose it,you won't be too upset. 3.The computer creates a bottleneck. -The computer creates a problem -only one reader can read the books called up on the computer at a time. 4.do most people really need access to.the entire collection of the New York Public Library? -Do most people really need to be able to read all the materials in the New York Public Library? Section 2(Para.5):In this paragraph,the author offers an example that proves that "retarded technology creates new and expensive ways of doing things that were once done simply and inexpensively",hence "technology racing backward."He also uses comparison and contrast in the production and effect of press releases and concluded:"the video costs more and does less.” Q:How does the author prove that a video press release"costs more and does less"? (The author indicates that a video press release is more expensive and takes longer time in production,and costs more postage;yet it gets tossed immediately by people.) Language Points 1.In my business,we're bombarded with press releases for products. -in my business,we receive a large number of press releases for products. "In my business"refers to the publishing business,since the author is a syndicated columnist for the Washington Post,The Los Angeles Times,and The Boston Globe. 2.I can read standard press releases in 10 or 15 seconds before tossing 99 percent of them. -I can spend a little time reading normal paper press releases before I lose patience with most of them and throw them away

cheaper that “personal digital assistants” when performing the same function. Analysis Part I (Para. 1): In this part, the author mainly defines the term “retarded technology”. Here, the following two points need to be noticed: 1) the author by no means disapproves of all technology, because he classifies technology into two categories, “advanced technology” and “retarded technology”, then setting the tone of the essay: to discuss the misconception and misuse of technology. 2) “.made waste respectable, elaborate, alluring and even fun” is explained in Para. 7 by “social Status, Adult Play, The Mount Everest Effect.” Q: What is “retarded technology” and what is “advanced technology”? How do they differ from each other? Language points 1. Let me introduce you to retarded technology. — The author here implies that technology may not always push the world ahead, and that it sometimes holds it back. Retarded: returning to worse conditions, methods, ideas, etc. e.g. mentally/emotionally retarded A rise in interest rates would severely retard economic growth. 2. It has made waste respectable, elaborate, alluring and even fun. Respectable: highly regarded Elaborate: intricate Alluring: attractive Part II (Para. 2-Para. 9) Section 1 (Para. 2-Para.4): In these paragraphs the author compares e-books with “old-fashioned” books in an attempt to show the disadvantages of the former — they are both costlier and bulkier. Furthermore, it is unnecessary and wasteful, since most people do nor really need access to the entire collection of a public library. Language Points 1. If you take it to the beach, it gets clogged with sand. —If you take it to the beach, it gets blocked with sand, which results in its malfunctioning. 2. Losing it is not a traumatizing event. — Even if you lose it, you won’t be too upset. 3. The computer creates a bottleneck. —The computer creates a problem — only one reader can read the books called up on the computer at a time. 4. .do most people really need access to . the entire collection of the New York Public Library? —Do most people really need to be able to read all the materials in the New York Public Library? Section 2 (Para. 5): In this paragraph, the author offers an example that proves that “retarded technology creates new and expensive ways of doing things that were once done simply and inexpensively”, hence “technology racing backward.” He also uses comparison and contrast in the production and effect of press releases and concluded: “the video costs more and does less.” Q: How does the author prove that a video press release “costs more and does less”? (The author indicates that a video press release is more expensive and takes longer time in production, and costs more postage; yet it gets tossed immediately by people.) Language Points 1. In my business, we’re bombarded with press releases for products. — in my business, we receive a large number of press releases for products. “In my business” refers to the publishing business, since the author is a syndicated columnist for the Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and The Boston Globe. 2. I can read standard press releases in 10 or 15 seconds before tossing 99 percent of them. — I can spend a little time reading normal paper press releases before I lose patience with most of them and throw them away

"Standard press releases"refers to traditional press releases in the from of public statements on paper distributed to newspapers or magazines to publish if they wish. Section 3(Para.6) In this paragraph,the author acknowledges that technology may not be all that bad,but expresses his doubt about the pro-technology theory. Q:What does the author mean by "the paradox"? Language Points 1.Ours is an era of conspicuous technological upheaval.-Our age is the one in which hi-tech has brought about many tremendous changes. 2.But the purported gains of new technology.seem to elude us.-it seems that the gains that new technology is supposed to offer us are far beyond our reach. 3.whose full benefits will soon burst upon us.which will unexpectedly produce advantageous impact on us Section 4(Para.7) In this paragraph,the author raises his view as a response to the theory mentioned in the preceding paragraph.He classifies technological innovations as either useful("plentiful and real gains")or wasteful("technological-inspired waste").For the latter,he enumerates three reasons, none of which are based on our needs. Language Points 1.Technology is often misused because the reasons people embrace it can be fairly frivolous. People often use technology in a wrong way because the reasons people eagerly accept it can be rather foolish. 2.To wit:old use or formal used to introduce additional information which makes clear exactly who or what you are talking about;namely 3.Since 1985,the number of cellular subscribers has leaped from 340,000to about 8 million. -Since 1985,the number of cell phone users has increased from 340,000 to about 8 million 4.New machines are often grown-up toys,successors to Legos and dolls. -When they are young,people play with traditional toys like Lego and dolls and when they grow up,they play with new and technologically advanced machines. 5.Hallmark:a famous greeting card company in the U.S.A. 6.Mount Everest Effect:the expression literally indicates certain effects people would experience when climbing the mountain,such as breathing difficulties.Here,the author is referring to its subtle psychological effect.As the highest mountain I the world,it represents the ultimate challenge for mountain climbers,and symbolically a challenge for those who are ready to try or see something new and exciting.Their readiness to try something exciting is not based on practical needs,but is for its own sake,i.e.for the satisfaction they can obtain from the accomplishment of such a task,just as the author puts it,"We're climbing that mountain because it's there." 7.Every new technology inspires the temptation to see what it will do -no matter how insane or time-consuming the task. -Every new technology arouses people's curiosity to see what it will do -no matter how silly or time-consuming the task. 8.are now increasingly given over to number crunching. -All these people are completely indulging in manipulating and processing numbers and data, without a spark of genuine thought. 9.thought-deadening process:the process that inhibits active and independent thinking Section 5 (Para.8) In this paragraph,the author further explores the reason why people are frivolous about retarded technology (stupid technology) Q:Why does the author say"the survival of stupid technology is ordained by ego and money"? (Because investors need to uphold their positive images in investment decision and to gain profit from their investments,they eliminate the old and inexpensive ways of doing things to help pay for the retarded technology

“Standard press releases” refers to traditional press releases in the from of public statements on paper distributed to newspapers or magazines to publish if they wish. Section 3 (Para. 6) In this paragraph, the author acknowledges that technology may not be all that bad, but expresses his doubt about the pro-technology theory. Q: What does the author mean by “the paradox”? Language Points 1. Ours is an era of conspicuous technological upheaval. — Our age is the one in which hi-tech has brought about many tremendous changes. 2. But the purported gains of new technology.seem to elude us. — it seems that the gains that new technology is supposed to offer us are far beyond our reach. 3. .whose full benefits will soon burst upon us. — which will unexpectedly produce advantageous impact on us Section 4 (Para. 7) In this paragraph, the author raises his view as a response to the theory mentioned in the preceding paragraph. He classifies technological innovations as either useful (“plentiful and real gains”) or wasteful (“technological-inspired waste”). For the latter, he enumerates three reasons, none of which are based on our needs. Language Points 1. Technology is often misused because the reasons people embrace it can be fairly frivolous. — People often use technology in a wrong way because the reasons people eagerly accept it can be rather foolish. 2. To wit: old use or formal used to introduce additional information which makes clear exactly who or what you are talking about; namely 3. Since 1985, the number of cellular subscribers has leaped from 340,000to about 8 million. —Since 1985, the number of cell phone users has increased from 340,000 to about 8 million. 4. New machines are often grown-up toys, successors to Legos and dolls. —When they are young, people play with traditional toys like Lego and dolls and when they grow up, they play with new and technologically advanced machines. 5. Hallmark: a famous greeting card company in the U.S.A. 6. Mount Everest Effect: the expression literally indicates certain effects people would experience when climbing the mountain, such as breathing difficulties. Here, the author is referring to its subtle psychological effect. As the highest mountain I the world, it represents the ultimate challenge for mountain climbers, and symbolically a challenge for those who are ready to try or see something new and exciting. Their readiness to try something exciting is not based on practical needs, but is for its own sake, i.e. for the satisfaction they can obtain from the accomplishment of such a task, just as the author puts it, “We’re climbing that mountain because it’s there.” 7. Every new technology inspires the temptation to see what it will do — no matter how insane or time-consuming the task. —Every new technology arouses people’s curiosity to see what it will do — no matter how silly or time-consuming the task. 8. .are now increasingly given over to number crunching. — All these people are completely indulging in manipulating and processing numbers and data, without a spark of genuine thought. 9. thought-deadening process: the process that inhibits active and independent thinking Section 5 (Para. 8) In this paragraph, the author further explores the reason why people are frivolous about retarded technology (stupid technology) Q: Why does the author say “the survival of stupid technology is ordained by ego and money”? (Because investors need to uphold their positive images in investment decision and to gain profit from their investments, they eliminate the old and inexpensive ways of doing things to help pay for the retarded technology.)

Language Points 1.The Survival of stupid technology is ordained by ego and money. -The reason why such stupid technology can survive has to do with people's self-esteem and money. 2.Retarded technology becomes institutionalized and permanent. -Retarded technology become part of people's normal and accepted behavior in a society. Section 6(Para.9) In this paragraph,the author expresses his doubt in a sarcastic tone,on the farfetched relationship between retarded technology and productivity increase and marriage improvement, implying that is the way people deny their frivolity. Q:1.Why does the author say "family values"would triumph. 2.Try to find out the irony used in the paragraph. Language Points 1.divorce rates would plunge,and "family values"would triumph -Divorce rates would drop drastically,and people would cherish"family values"again. Part III (Para.10-Para.11) The two concluding paragraphs return to the arithmetic trouble with retarded technology with self-evident truth:a standard notebook is far simple and cheaper than"personal digital assistants" when performing the same function. Language Points l.“scribble'”and“scrawl”-these two words are synonymous,meaning“write carelessly ands hastily'” 2.It should be a smashing success.It should be a huge success. This sentence is an irony.What the author really means is that technologically a Newton personal digital assistant could be an impressive success,but only in terms of money. V.Group Discussion Comment on the idea that men will eventually destroy themselves in their development of new technology. VI.Writing Strategies In this essay,the author uses some sarcastic words,expressions and sentences to exemplify his strong disapproval of retarded technology.The following are the examples listed: .to do useful new things or to do to old things more efficiently.By contrast,retarded technology creates new and expensive ways of doing things that were once done simply and inexpensively.(Para.1) Here's a swell idea of retarded technology.(Para.2) Sorry,no sale.The video costs more and does less.(Para.5) This is the technological equivalent of"We're climbing that mountain because it's there."(Para.7) ."family values"would triumph.What we need are cellular subsidies so everyone can have one. (Para.9) Hey,maybe a Rolodex is better.It's cheaper.How about a standard notebook or address book? (Para.11) It should be a smashing success.(Para.11) VII.Assignments: 1)Finish all the exercises of the text. 2)Write an short essay of about 250 words entitled"My views towards retarded technology

Language Points 1. The Survival of stupid technology is ordained by ego and money. — The reason why such stupid technology can survive has to do with people’s self-esteem and money. 2. Retarded technology becomes institutionalized and permanent. — Retarded technology become part of people’s normal and accepted behavior in a society. Section 6 (Para. 9) In this paragraph, the author expresses his doubt in a sarcastic tone, on the farfetched relationship between retarded technology and productivity increase and marriage improvement, implying that is the way people deny their frivolity. Q: 1. Why does the author say “family values” would triumph. 2. Try to find out the irony used in the paragraph. Language Points 1. .divorce rates would plunge, and “family values” would triumph. —Divorce rates would drop drastically, and people would cherish “family values” again. Part III (Para. 10-Para. 11) The two concluding paragraphs return to the arithmetic trouble with retarded technology with self-evident truth: a standard notebook is far simple and cheaper than “personal digital assistants” when performing the same function. Language Points 1. “scribble” and “scrawl” — these two words are synonymous, meaning “ write carelessly ands hastily”. 2. It should be a smashing success. — It should be a huge success. This sentence is an irony. What the author really means is that technologically a Newton personal digital assistant could be an impressive success, but only in terms of money. V. Group Discussion Comment on the idea that men will eventually destroy themselves in their development of new technology. VI. Writing Strategies In this essay, the author uses some sarcastic words, expressions and sentences to exemplify his strong disapproval of retarded technology. The following are the examples listed: . to do useful new things or to do to old things more efficiently. By contrast, retarded technology creates new and expensive ways of doing things that were once done simply and inexpensively.(Para. 1) Here’s a swell idea of retarded technology. (Para. 2) Sorry, no sale. The video costs more and does less. (Para. 5) This is the technological equivalent of “We’re climbing that mountain because it’s there.” (Para. 7) .”family values” would triumph. What we need are cellular subsidies so everyone can have one. (Para. 9) Hey, maybe a Rolodex is better. It’s cheaper. How about a standard notebook or address book? (Para. 11) It should be a smashing success. (Para. 11) VII. Assignments: 1) Finish all the exercises of the text. 2) Write an short essay of about 250 words entitled “My views towards retarded technology