English 2 follows English 1 to solidify the foundational skills for effective communication in English as well as to foster 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 communication 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 solid base on which students can build toward a higher level of communication competence specifically in an English language environment. The base is, as mentioned in "Course description and aims" of English 1, 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.
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.
By the end of this course, students will:
・Strengthen practical English abilities that are required for learning at university and for research activities both in Japan and abroad
・Be able to accurately 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
・Be able to write their own short paragraphs with a clear purpose
・Be able to state their opinions with good organization
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 |
Preparation: Read the handout provided in the previous week. Work on vocabulary exercises in the chapter.
In class: Small group discussion using the handout. Answer check of the homework. Listening practice.
*There are dictation and vocabulary mini-tests. Each student is required to make a short speech or more in the quarter. Details will be provided in the first week of the course.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Short introduction. Chapter 7 Germany | Understand the content of chapter 7 |
Class 2 | Chapter 8 Finland | Understand the content of chapter 8 |
Class 3 | Chapter 9 Poland Practice exercises for TOEFL Speaking Test | Understand the content of chapter 9 |
Class 4 | Chapter 10 Spain | Understand the content of chapter 10 |
Class 5 | Chapter 11 Greece Practice exercises for TOEFL Writing Test | Understand the content of chapter 11 |
Class 6 | Chapter 12 Kenya | Understand the content of chapter 12 |
Class 7 | Final exam and group work | Review the overall content of the course |
Class 8 | Chapter 13 Morocco | Understand the content of chapter 13 |
On Board for More World Adventures (Kinseido) (ISBN 978-4-7647-3991-8)
To be announced in class.
Activities in class (including homework assignments and mini-tests) : 60%
Final exam: 40%
None
None.