This course will focus on learning and practicing conversational English skills by actively discussing various issues in pairs, small groups, and also as a class. Speaking skills will also be supported by listening activities and both basic writing and reading skills will also be required. Students are encouraged to actively participate in order to put into practice English that they already know as well as to expand their English language knowledge.

By the end of this course, students should have improved their vocabulary related to certain topics and to have more confidence to speak on these topics more fluently. Weekly practice will give students an opportunity to make their own English sound more natural and smooth while improving their listening comprehension during discussions about the topics. A wide range of topics and vocabulary related to those topics will be introduced to help students achieve this purpose.

English Communication, Discussion

Please refer to the curriculum map to determine which curriculum policy is applicable for this course.

Students will be expected to read an article or watch a video about a specific topic before class and fill out a preparation worksheet. Examples of new vocabulary will be shown on the worksheet, but the main focus will be to use the worksheet to help facilitate discussions about the topic within pairs or groups. Individual questions are welcomed and encouraged. The students will change partners various times throughout the class to get other students’ perspectives about the topics.

Some of the topics that will be covered include:
1. Symbols of Japan
2. Food life in Japan
3. Sports in society
4. Importance of sleep
5. Cellphones in society
6. English Education
7. Japanese Language Diversity
8. Study Abroad

Students are expected to attend class regularly and participate in all class discussions. Thus, every absence will have a negative effect on the student’s final grade. Being on time for class and prepared for discussion are also important factors. The level of this course corresponds approximately to a TOEIC score of 380-530.

Please come to class prepared and on time.

Reports must cover all of the preparation material and be detailed. Active participation in discussions is a basic requirement. Presentations must be practiced and not an exercise in just “reading”. Grading is based on (a) participation in class, (b) acquisition of knowledge, (c) level of comprehension, and (d) level of general skills (logical thinking, writing).

Preparation Worksheet: 30%, Vocabulary Quiz: 20%, Topic Presentations & Participation in Discussions: 20%, Listening Comprehension/Reaction Writing: 20%, Final Homework: 10%

There is no required text for this class, but a good electronic dictionary is highly recommended

This is a practical speaking course with a focus on developing communicative fluency.

オフィスアワー (Office hours)
To be announced in class.