Experienced instructors use a textbook designed for this course to teach key 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 |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
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.