Course title
English Discussion   [English Discussion]
Course category Liberal Arts and Fundamental Studies  Requirement   Credit 1 
Department   Year 14  Semester 3rd 
Course type 3rd  Course code 020067
Instructor(s)
KENT HILL, 畠山 雄二   [Kent Hill, HATAKEYAMA Yuji]
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
Class 1. Introducing the Issues: What’s an Issue?
Preparation: Read from pages 1 - 6
Class 2. Education Issues (1): Warm-up questions, discussion strategy, conversation vocabulary
Preparation: Read from pages 7 - 10
Class 3. Education Issues (2): Idioms, discussions, brainstorming issues, critical listening
Preparation: Read from pages 11 - 13
Class 4. Technology Issues (1): Warm-up questions, discussion strategy, conversation vocabulary
Preparation: Read from pages 14 ? 17
Review: Technology Self-Study Assignment
Class 5. Technology Issues (2): Idioms, discussions, brainstorming issues, critical listening
Preparation: Read from pages 18 - 20
Class 6. Lifestyle Issues (1): Warm-up questions, discussion strategy, conversation vocabulary
Preparation: Read from pages 21 - 24
Class 7. Lifestyle Issues (2): Idioms, discussions, brainstorming issues, critical listening
Class 8. Education, Technology and Lifestyle Conversations
Preparation: Read from pages 28 - 31
Class 9. Language Issues (1): Warm-up questions, discussion strategy, conversation vocabulary
Preparation: Read from pages 32 - 35
Class 10. Language Issues (2): Idioms, discussions, brainstorming issues, critical listening
Preparation: Read from pages 36 - 39
Class 11. Culture Issues (1): Warm-up questions, discussion strategy, conversation vocabulary
Preparation: Read from pages 40 ? 44
Review: Culture Self-Study Assignment
Class 12. Culture Issues (2): Idioms, discussions, brainstorming issues, critical listening
Preparation: Read from pages 45 - 47
Class 13. Literature Issues (1): Warm-up questions, discussion strategy, conversation vocabulary
Preparation: Read from pages 48 - 51
Class 14. Literature Issues (2): Idioms, discussions, brainstorming issues, critical listening
Preparation: Read from pages 52 - 54
Class 15. Language, Culture and Literature Discussions
Preparation: Read from pages 55 - 61
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
Tackle the Issues
Hill, K.
Eigo Press 2021
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
Google Class Code: 3r4phmv
Remarks 2
Related URL
Lecture Language
English
Language Subject
English
Last update
9/13/2021 1:13:18 PM