Print

2021　English 1 38

Font size  SML

Register update notification mail Add to favorite lecture list
Academic unit or major
English language courses
Instructor(s)
Kimura Daisuke 
Class Format
Exercise     
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Thr1-2(S514)  
Group
38
Course number
LAE.E111
Credits
1
Academic year
2021
Offered quarter
1Q
Syllabus updated
2021/3/19
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

Using the textbook as the main resource, this course will introduce students to basic English skills useful for intercultural communication in academic settings. Not only will students work on improving their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, but they will also engage in pair and group activities to critically explore diverse topics. TOEFL-type exercises and problems will also be used.
Usually, we will start the lesson with a short discussion of the topic. Then we will learn some key language and skills necessary to investigate the topic. After practicing these skills, you will be asked to produce a piece of work such as a short report, a presentation or a group survey.

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 Orientation; Englishes in the world Understand the responsibilities of students in this course. Discuss the role of English in the world.
Class 2 Psycology-Happiness Learn the language to express opinions about happiness.
Class 3 Linguistics-A time to learn Learn the language to express opinions about language learning.
Class 4 Public health-sleep Learn the language to express opinions about sleep.
Class 5 Business-Negotiating for success Learn the language to express opinions about business communication..
Class 6 Engineering-Robots Learn the language to express opinions about modern technology.
Class 7 Review and final exam Review and final exam

Out-of-Class Study Time (Preparation and Review)

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.

Textbook(s)

Contemporary Topics (4th edition) Pearson Longman

Reference books, course materials, etc.

N/A

Assessment criteria and methods

Participation in class activities: 20%
Assignments: 30%
Final exam: 50%

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

N/A

Page Top