English 4 is designed to improve students’ English language skills for academic purposes and provide them with 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 lectures in English, speaking in front of an audience, and writing paragraphs and short essays.
There are two types of classes in English 4. RW classes focus on reading comprehension and skill in written composition, and LS classes focus on listening and oral expression.
Each student is assigned to a class and instructors for each class conduct the course using “Course description and aims”, “Student learning outcomes”, and “Keywords” as the basic framework.
By the end of this course, students will:
・ Have improved their English skills required for learning at university and for research activities
・ Be able to understand written and spoken materials correctly in diverse areas including international and intercultural issues, science, and technology
・ Be able to write paragraphs and short essays with unity and coherence
・ Have gained confidence in using English to state their opinions and improved their oral expression skills.
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 |
For each of the following lessons in the textbook:
1. Students are required to check dictionaries for the meaning of the words and phrases and to read the text closely before coming to class.
2. In class, students are required to read the text closely and to do the practices. The instructor (1) checks the answers, (2) clarifies the essential points of the text, (3) teaches useful expressions, and (4) has them do some other exercises when necessary.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Review of English 3 | To review the final exam of English 3 |
Class 2 | Lesson 6 "Telephone Message Game" | To do reading and listening comprehensions & other exercises |
Class 3 | Lesson 8 "The Difference between Fact and Opinion" | To do reading and listening comprehensions & other exercises |
Class 4 | Lesson 10 "What Is Your Blood Type?" | To do reading and listening comprehensions & other exercises |
Class 5 | Lesson 11 "Gender Bias" | To do reading and listening comprehensions & other exercises |
Class 6 | Lesson 14 "How to Make a Persuasive Presentation" | 1. To do reading and listening comprehensions & other exercises 2. To learn the basics of how to make a persuasive presentation and how to write an effective paragraph |
Class 7 | Final exam Review | To measure the students' achievement; To review the main points |
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.
Toshiyuki Takagaki, et al., _An Invitation to Critical Thinking_.
Nan'un-Do,2016.
ISBN: 978-4-523-17821-7
Handouts are given in class when necessary.
Students are assessed on the degree to which they can put what they have learned in class to practical use.
Activities in class & Homework assignments: 50%
Final exam: 50%
None
The planned activities may be altered depending on the students' achievement, etc.