English 5 is designed to improve students’ English language skills for academic purposes and provide them with more knowledge in relevant areas. The materials include topics such as international and intercultural issues as well as current topics of science and technology. Expectations require students to practice: reading academic articles, listening to English lectures, speaking before an audience, and developing skills to write paragraphs and short essays.
By the end of this course, students will:
・be able to express their ideas and opinions in classes confidently
・be able to write paragraphs or short essays
・be able to better understand academic lectures
・practice effective reading strategies
Four language skills, fostering international awareness, communication skills, studying abroad, TOEFL
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
The instructor will require students to (1) do comprehension exercises on newspaper articles, short stories, or movies, (2) summarize what they read or watch, (3) discuss some social issues related to the writings or movies, and (4) present their own opinions in writing.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | How to write a summary (famous pictures). Templates for academic writing (1/2). | One minnute speech. |
Class 2 | How to write a summary (youtube). Templates for academic writing (2/2). | Learn how to create a good question. |
Class 3 | How to write a summary (newspaper articles on international affairs). On a good summary of conflicting ideas (1/2). | Learn how to write objectively. |
Class 4 | How to write a summary (newspaper articles on the development of technology). On a good summary of conflicting ideas (2/2). | Learn how to state your own opinion. |
Class 5 | Close reading of a short story written by James Joyce (provisional). Templates to state your own ideas (1/2). | Explain what is significant about the short story. |
Class 6 | Close reading of a short story written by Virginia Woolf (provisional). Templates to state your own ideas (2/2). | Explain symbols presented in the short story. |
Class 7 | A group discussion (The instructor or students will choose a topic from the above.) | Create questions and answers on a topic. |
Class 8 | Review and Final examination | Overall exercise in vocabulary, grammar, and passage construction |
Handouts (Namely, writings on the U.S. history or culture)
To be announced in class
Students are assessed on practical English skills and on the degree to which they can use them to communicate with others. Activities in class: 20% Assignments: 30% Final exam: 50%
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