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 |
The instructor will require students to (1) do comprehension exercises on newspaper articles, short stories, or movies, (2) summarize what they read or watch, (3) discuss some social issues related to the writings or movies, and (4) present their own opinions in writing.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction: Review of the last quarter | Re-learn how to write a good topic sentence |
Class 2 | Write a good argumentative essay | Learn writing skills for discussions |
Class 3 | Discussion on culture | Learn dos and don'ts in academic writing |
Class 4 | Discussion on science | Peer review |
Class 5 | Discussion on politics and society | Sophisticate your vocabulary |
Class 6 | Evaluate academic essays | Learn how to evaluate academic essays |
Class 7 | Review and final exam | Master writing skills for argumentative essays |
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.
Handouts
To be announced in class
Students are assessed on their practical English skills and on the degree to which they can use them to communicate with others. Activities in class: 20%. Assignments: 30%. Final exam: 50%.
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