Experienced instructors use a textbook designed for this course to teach basic expressions useful for debate and discussion. Students will learn how to organize their thoughts, state them in a logical and persuasive manner, and argue for or against opinions effectively. In each class, specific skills are introduced and practiced, and students perform debate on a given topic.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. organize their thoughts, state them in a logical and persuasive manner, argue for or against effectively, and thereby discuss and debate smoothly.
2. improve their English proficiency.
English, intercultural communication, discussion, debate
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Lectures are conducted based on the textbook. Homework assignments are given in almost every week.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Proposition Speaking | Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 2. |
Class 2 | Opposition Speaking | Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 3. |
Class 3 | Connecting and Stressing Ideas | Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 4. |
Class 4 | Using Rhetorical Questions | Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 5. |
Class 5 | Using and Interpreting Facts | Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 6. |
Class 6 | Presentation and Discussion | Students must complete pre-class assignments for Class 7. |
Class 7 | Review | Students must prepare for the final exam. |
Class 8 | Final Exam and Feedback |
A free textbook is distributed.
None required.
Students' grades are based on (i) pre-class assignments (40%), (ii) active participation in discussion and debate with independent use of the speaking skills introduced in the course (35%), and (iii) the final examination (25%).
Students are encouraged to have taken Global Communication (TAL.C402) or other related courses before taking this course, but this is not a strict condition.