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
✔ Applicable | How instructors' work experience benefits the course |
---|---|
An instructor with work experience as a journalist and editor 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 skills, studying abroad, TOEFL
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Students must familiarize themselves with topics described in the required learning section before coming to class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Unit 7 Reading:Languages lost and found | Exercise in Unit 7:Languages lost and found |
Class 2 | Unit 8Reading:It’s about time | Exercise in Unit 8:It’s about time |
Class 3 | Unit 9 Reading:Where would we be without it? | Exercise in Unit 9:Where would we be without it? |
Class 4 | Unit 10 Reading:Virtually better | Exercise in Unit 10:Virtually better |
Class 5 | Unit 11Reading:It’s never too late | Exercise in Unit 11:It’s never too late |
Class 6 | Unit 12 Reading:Good sports | Exercise in Unit 12:Good sports |
Class 7 | Unit 13 Reading :Global Concepts | Exercise in Unit 13:Global Concepts |
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.
Global Concepts: Jim Knudsen: NAN'UN-DO
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Assignments (50%), Review (50%)
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