| Course title | |||||
| English Discussion [English Discussion] | |||||
| Course category | Liberal Arts and Fundamental Studies | Requirement | Credit | 1 | |
| Department | Year | 1～ | Semester | 3rd | |
| Course type | 3rd | Course code | 01el1003g | ||
| Instructor(s) | |||||
| JAMES BALDWIN [James Baldwin] | |||||
| 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 |
|
1. Course objectives; Student introductions 2. Speaking Up in Class: Discussing personal and cultural barriers; Speaking goals; Asking questions and follow-up questions; Group discussion activity: Know-it-Alls 3. Sample functions for discussion and useful expressions; Three types of opinion; Expressing opinions, agreeing and disagreeing; Class opinion survey 4. Supporting opinions with reasons; Comparing and contrasting ideas; Brainstorming and writing reasons; Mini-debates 5. Being persuasive; Mini-debates; Introduction to leading a discussion: Discussion topic summary assignment guidelines 6. Avoiding plagiarism; Summarizing and paraphrasing sources; Citing sources 7. Leading and managing a discussion 1 8. Asking for clarification; Discussing environmental issues 9. Making suggestions; Group discussion activity: Survival 10. Leading and managing a discussion 2 11. Group discussion activity: Manifesto 12. Group presentation activity: Manifesto 13. Compromising in discussions; Group discussion activity: Zoo plan 14. Leading and managing a discussion 3 / Final evaluation 15. Leading and managing a discussion 3 / Final evaluation 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 |
| All course materials will be provided by the instructor. |
| 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. [Written assignments: 40%; Oral assessments: 40%] |
| Message from instructor(s) |
| Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable and will be strictly dealt with. Plagiarized assignments will receive a grade of “D” and second offenses may result in course failure. |
| Course keywords |
| Office hours |
| Contact the instructor by email: fx9871@go.tuat.ac.jp |
| Remarks 1 |
| Remarks 2 |
| Related URL |
| Lecture Language |
| English |
| Language Subject |
| English |
| Last update |
| 3/16/2021 2:18:37 PM |