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2019　English 1 3

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Academic unit or major
English language courses
Instructor(s)
Narum Paul 
Class Format
Exercise     
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Mon1-2(W332)  
Group
3
Course number
LAE.E111
Credits
1
Academic year
2019
Offered quarter
1Q
Syllabus updated
2019/11/15
Lecture notes updated
-
Language used
Japanese
Access Index

Course description and aims

English 1 defines and solidifies the foundational skills for effective communication in English as well as fosters international awareness, as both are typically required in the globally expanding domain of scientific and technological research activities. It also prepares students to study or do research abroad in the future. Students are assigned training exercises that cover the four language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The reading and listening materials include topics such as international and intercultural issues as well as the fundamentals of science and technology. Practice exercises in writing and speaking are provided so that students can develop confidence and competence to participate in discussions and conferences where opinions are exchanged through both text and speech. TOEFL-type exercise problems are also used in the course.

This course aims to establish a base on which students can build toward a higher level of communication competence specifically in an English language environment. The base is composed of three elements: (1) identifying relevant information accurately, (2) exercising fair judgement to form a valid opinion, and (3) stating opinions clearly and persuasively. English 1 covers these three elements, and the communication abilities acquired will help students in the future when they have to assume positions of responsibility in group activities.

Each student is assigned to a group led by an instructor. Instructors for each group conduct the course using the "Course description and aims" and "Student learning outcomes" as the basic framework. "Class direction," "Course schedule," and other information below explain the features of each class.

Student learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:
・Become aware of the degree to which practical English abilities are required for learning at university and for research activities both in Japan and abroad
・Be able to grasp the main ideas and arguments of written and spoken materials in diverse areas including international and intercultural issues, science, and technology
・Have increased their knowledge of effective vocabulary and expressions to actively communicate their ideas and opinions in English
・Have gained confidence in using English to state their opinions
・Be able to understand the structural characteristics of good paragraphs and write their own short paragraphs with unity and coherence

Keywords

Four language skills, fostering international awareness, communication skills, studying abroad, TOEFL

Competencies that will be developed

Specialist skills ✔ Intercultural skills ✔ Communication skills Critical thinking skills Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Classes will be conducted revolving around the textbook, half a unit per class, with students urged to discuss topics and ask each other questions in pairs or groups of three. Units from the textbook will be chosen in consultation with the students during the first class. Test during the seventh week to assess listening ability, vocabulary and grammar knowledge, and understanding (essay).

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 Class introduction, Unit 3, "Treasures from the Past," Lesson A (Listening to a Talk about an Ancient City, Talking About the Past) Buy the textbook, peruse contents
Class 2 Unit 3, "Treasures from the Past," Lesson B (Listening to a Conversation, Using Notes in a Presentation) Read textbook contents, listen to audio, access e-learning, memorize unfamiliar vocabulary.
Class 3 Unit 4, "Weather and Climate," Lesson A (Listening to a Radio Show, Planning an Itinerary) Read textbook contents, listen to audio, access e-learning, memorize unfamiliar vocabulary.
Class 4 Unit 4, "Weather and Climate," Lesson B (Listening to a Conversation among Friends, Discussing Ways to Reduce Greenhouse Gases) Read textbook contents, listen to audio, access e-learning, memorize unfamiliar vocabulary.
Class 5 Unit 5, "Focus on Food," Lesson A (Listening to a Talk by an Anthropology Professor, Conducting a Survey) Read textbook contents, listen to audio, access e-learning, memorize unfamiliar vocabulary.
Class 6 Unit 5, "Focus on Food," Lesson B (Listening to a Conversation between Students, Creating a Description with Interesting Details) Read textbook contents, listen to audio, access e-learning, memorize unfamiliar vocabulary.
Class 7 90-minute test covering Units 3-5 Prepare for test
Class 8 Review of test results and individual feedback Nothing

Textbook(s)

Pathways 1: Listening, Speaking, and Critical Thinking: Text with Online Access Code, by Becky Tarver Chase (ISBN-13: 9781133307679), National Geographic Learning Series, Cengage

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Dictionary (preferably electronic)

Assessment criteria and methods

Test during the 7th week (1/3rd listening, 1/3rd vocab and grammar, 1/3rd essay)
Deductions made for poor class participation, sleeping, distraction, private conversation, cell phone usage not related to class contents, etc.

Related courses

  • LAE.E112 ： English 2
  • LAE.E113 ： English 3
  • LAE.E114 ： English 4
  • LAE.E211 ： English 5
  • LAE.E212 ： English 6
  • LAE.E213 ： English 7
  • LAE.E214 ： English 8
  • LAE.E311 ： English 9

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

None

Other

None

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