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.
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
✔ Applicable | How instructors' work experience benefits the course |
---|---|
I've been working in the fields of theatre, music, and architecture as director of communications in their exchange with other countries. Taking advantage of this experience, I've also been teaching English at language schools for working adults based on a training method to become professional interpreters, which will be partially applied in my classes at Tokyo Tech. |
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 |
1. Exercise of English speech sounds / 15 minutes
2. Listening to the latest news in English from websites / 15 minutes
3. Reading the textbook, one chapter a week / 60 to 70 minutes
4. Vocabulary test to be conducted regularly
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | self-introduction in Japanese English, explanation on the textbook | express yourself in English, getting to know your classmates |
Class 2 | 1. Exercise of English speech sounds / 15 minutes 2. Listening to the latest news in English from websites / 15 minutes 3. Textbook / Lesson 1 - Miracle Cure, or Just a Lemon? | reading aloud 1 minute sight translation |
Class 3 | 1. Exercise of English speech sounds / 15 minutes 2. Listening to the latest news in English from websites / 15 minutes 3. Textbook / Lesson 2 - Stolen Goods | check grammar and vocabulary |
Class 4 | 1. Exercise of English speech sounds / 15 minutes 2. Listening to the latest news in English from websites / 15 minutes 3. Textbook / Lesson 3 - Okinawa Ink | sight translation analyze structure of the text |
Class 5 | Vocabulary test for Chapter 1, 2 and 3 Lesson 4 - No More Tears | review of the vocabulary |
Class 6 | 1. Exercise of English speech sounds / 15 minutes 2. Listening to the latest news in English from websites / 15 minutes 3. Textbook / Lesson 5 - The Way of the Pub | sight translation and check vocabulary |
Class 7 | Review Test and Lesson 6 | sight translation and check structure of the text |
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.
Everyday History - 現代から紐解く歴史と文化 南雲堂、2022
visual and audio materials prepared by instructor
handouts to be shared on screen and emailed later by instructor at each lesson
results of vocabulary and review tests (40%), active participation in class (30%), submission of assignments (30%)
None
When assignments are given, submission will be via email to the instructor or through Google Form.