| Course title | |||||
| English Discussion [English Discussion] | |||||
| Course category | Liberal Arts and Fundamental Studies | Requirement | Credit | 1 | |
| Department | Year | 1～4 | Semester | 3rd | |
| Course type | 3rd | Course code | 020077 | ||
| Instructor(s) | |||||
| PATRICIA MCGAHAN [Patricia McGahan] | |||||
| Facility affiliation | Graduate School of Engineering | Office | afjgxte/L1151 | Email address | |
| Course description |
| Outline (English Discussion): This course aims to improve each student’s basic speaking fluency and ability to effectively communicate in English through the discussion of a variety of general and academic topics. This course is mandatory for first-year students as an introduction to the English curriculum of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. |
| Expected Learning |
|
By the end of the course students should be able: 1) To use the discussion skills and vocabulary learned in this course to participate in discussions on both general and academic topics in multicultural settings. 2) To develop the ability to listen actively, such as using English backchannels in conversation, asking relevant follow-up questions, as well as clarifying for meaning when something is not understood. 3) To develop discussion skills like asking on-topic questions, giving extended answers, and paraphrasing group members’ utterances. 4) To use basic common vocabulary and expressions in discussions as well as learn and use new academic words and phrases. 5) To increase their fluency by practicing speaking in groups in English only for a limited time on a variety of easy topics. |
| Course schedule |
|
Course Schedule: Class 1: Course introduction and short individual student and teacher introductions. Class 2: Warm-up speaking fluency practice. Discussion skill #1: Asking questions and follow-up questions. Class 3: Warm-up speaking fluency practice. Discussion skill #2: How to make extended answers. Class 4: Warm-up speaking fluency practice. Discussion skill #3: Incorporating English backchannels in conversations. Class 5: Warm-up speaking fluency practice. Discussion skill #4: Clarifying for meaning and paraphrasing. Class 6: General discussion topics #1 and #2. Vocabulary review and intercultural development. Class 7: General discussion topics #3 and #4. Vocabulary review and intercultural development. Class 8: General discussion topics #5 and #6. Vocabulary review and intercultural development. Class 9: Review of discussion skills, topics and vocabulary. Midterm group general discussion speaking test. Class 10: Academic discussion topic #1. Vocabulary and content learning. Class 11: Academic discussion topic #2. Vocabulary and content learning. Class 12: Academic discussion topic #3. Vocabulary and content learning. Class 13: Academic discussion topic #4. Vocabulary and content learning. Class 14: Academic discussion topic #5. Vocabulary and content learning. Class 15: Review of discussion skills, academic discussion content and vocabulary. Final group academic discussion speaking test. *This is a typical schedule for the English Discussion course. A specific schedule for each class will be announced in each class. |
| 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 |
| The textbook is to be notified separately. |
| References |
| Assessment/Grading |
|
Class Participation (20%) - To assess the ability of students to bring the required materials, show up on time, and assess how well students work actively both individually and with their group members in class. Assignments and Exams (80%) - To assess students' performances on their English speaking and discussion skills and assess how thoroughly and timely students complete their class and homework assignments. |
| Message from instructor(s) |
| Course keywords |
| Office hours |
| Office hours are to be announced in class. |
| Remarks 1 |
| Remarks 2 |
| Related URL |
| Lecture Language |
| English |
| Language Subject |
| English |
| Last update |
| 3/3/2020 3:05:16 PM |