Based on English 5, English 6 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
✔ Applicable | How instructors' work experience benefits the course |
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An instructor with work experience as a journalist will provide hands-on education in writing and presenting about science, based on practice in the field that features critical thinking and logical ways of communicating information to audiences. |
Four language skills, fostering international awareness, communication, studying abroad, TOEFL
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
English 6 builds upon the concepts and approach of English 5: mutual support, respect and critical thinking.
As with English 5, we will often start the lesson with a discussion of the day’s topic followed by listening to a news story from the U.S.A. This approach will allow us to gain a better understanding of international perspectives and also to compare them with our own countries’.
After this, we will critically explore the issue. You will be asked to produce a short piece of work based upon the class’s topic - for example a short presentation, a summary or reaction paper. Such integrated skills will also come in useful for the TOEFL exam.
Again, may I take this opportunity to remind you: This is not a lecture-style course. Please envisage this classroom as a community where everybody has different strengths and weaknesses. By cooperating with each other, together we can overcome any difficulties.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
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Class 1 | Tying the knot. | Exploring changing family dynamics and how these will impact the world in the coming years. |
Class 2 | No deal on whales. | Discussing controversial issues by engaging in debate. |
Class 3 | Is it a sculpture or is it food? | Cultural values and how they impact our sense of taste - both culinary and artistic. |
Class 4 | Preparing for climate change. | Civilian and military responses to natural disasters. How best to prepare our communities through mutual support. |
Class 5 | Everybody is an above average driver. | How our own sense of self impacts on our objectivity. A survey. |
Class 6 | A contribution to make the world a better place. (1) | Exploration: Role-models and lessons-in-how-not-to-live. Are positive examples more effective then negative ones? |
Class 7 | A contribution to make the world a better place. (2) Review and Exam. | Presentation: The people who have shaped who we are today. |
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.
Consider the Issues (4th edition), Pearson.
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Presentation: 50%
Exam: 50%
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