Course title
English Discussion   [English Discussion]
Course category Liberal Arts and Fundamental Studies  Requirement   Credit 1 
Department   Year 11  Semester 3rd 
Course type 3rd  Course code 01el1003g
Instructor(s)
JAMES BALDWIN   [James Baldwin]
Facility affiliation Graduate School of Engineering Office 3-211  Email address

Course description
This course aims to improve each student’s basic speaking fluency and ability to communicate in English, through the discussion of a variety of general topics as well as issues of academic interest.
This course is mandatory for first-year students as an introduction to the English curriculum of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
Expected Learning
・ Students should participate in discussions on both general and academic topics, based on their own experiences and knowledge.
・ Students should develop the ability to listen actively and express their opinions without repeating or copying others.
・ Students should be able to understand and build on other conversations.
・ Students should develop the oral skills needed in a variety of academic contexts, such as group discussions, debates etc.
Competency Development:
Intercultural Understanding, Global Awareness, Communication skills, Presentation skills
Course schedule
Week 1: Course objectives; Introductions
Week 2: Reading and discussion: Speaking up in class; Asking questions and follow-up questions
Week 3: Expressing opinions; Types of opinion; Agreeing and disagreeing; Class opinion survey
Week 4: Giving strong reasons and supporting opinions; Brainstorming and writing reasons; Mini-debates 1
Week 5: Mini-debates 2
Week 6: Interrupting politely; Asking for clarification; Group discussion activity: Survival
Week 7: Avoiding plagiarism; Paraphrasing and summarizing sources; Citing sources
Week 8: Leading a discussion 1 (Submit discussion topic summary and questions)
Week 9: Social and environmental issues; Group discussion and presentation activity: Manifesto
Week 10: Group presentations: Manifesto
Week 11: Leading a discussion 2 (Submit discussion topic summary and questions)
Week 12: Making suggestions; Group discussion activity: School Improvements
Week 13: Compromising in discussions; Group disussion activity: Zoo Plan
Week 14: Leading a discussion 3 (Submit discussion topic summary and questions)
Week 15: Summary; Exam
Note: Syllabus may change according to class needs.
Prerequisites
This course carries 1 credit. In addition to 30 hours that students spend in the class, they are recommended to prepare for, and review, the classes using the textbook and the reference books, spending the standard amount of time as specified by the University for each class. Students must attend at least 2/3 of a course in order to receive credit for that course. If students do not fully attend the class for two times, it should be counted as one time of absence.
Required Text(s) and Materials
Study materials will be provided by the instructor.
References
Assessment/Grading
Class Participation (30%) Assignments and oral assessment (35%) Final Exam (35%): Total 100%
Message from instructor(s)
Students are required to prepare an A-4 size file folder to keep handouts in order and bring a dictionary to every class. Plagiarism in any form is strictly unacceptable. Plagiarized assignments will receive a grade of “D”, and second offences may result in course failure.
Course keywords
Office hours
Students may contact the instructor by email: jamesdbaldwin39@gmail.com
Remarks 1
Remarks 2
Related URL
Lecture Language
English
Language Subject
English
Last update
4/5/2019 9:20:57 PM