The overall goal of this course is to improve students' formal English speaking and debate skills in future workplace or academic contexts.

Students are required to critically analyze the provided discussion topic (e.g. consumption tax) and form opinions in order to participate actively in the discussion. Students will be given a list of phrases to practice and use. The course will improve students ability in the following areas: knowledge of the topic being researched, speaking orally in front of others, being able to present ideas logically, and respond and discuss relevant questions about their presentation.

discussion debate small group

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

Students will be given a topic that they will have to research and bring the information to their group of 2-4 people. You will have 3-5 discussions with different members of the class lasting about 10-20 minutes. There will be a group leader for each discussion. It is important to write down your discussion script and practice it orally before being graded by the teacher. After the discussion, is finished, the teacher will review your mistakes and offer advice on how to improve.

Example schedule:
Week 1: Course orientation
Week 2: Phrase practice / group assignments
Week 3: Phrase practice / Topic 1 research
Week 4: Topic 1 script writing / speaking practice
Week 5: Topic 1 Discussion / Topic 2 assigned / new groups
Week 6: Topic 2 research / script writing
Week 7: Topic 2 script writing / speaking practice
Week 8: Topic 2 Discussion / Topic 3 assigned / new groups
Weeks 9-15: will follow the above pattern for Topics 3 and 4 plus final report.

Students should actively help their group members by bringing information they have researched outside to help make the speaking script.

Topic research outside of class time is required. Also, meeting with your group members before class to practice the discussion may be necessary.

Grading is based on:
a) class participation
b) acquisition of knowledge
c) level of comprehension
d) level of overall skills (e.g. critical thinking)

Each group discussion will last between 15-25 minutes and be worth 35 POINTS. Each phrase used correctly will be worth 2 points. Discussion grading criteria is as follows:
1) used the discussion phrases in a correct and logical way in the discusion
2) further developed, researched and organized the topic in your group
3) Reached a clear conclusion based on each person's opinion

Discussions: 80% (individual grade)
Script research paper: 20% (group grade)

*Students who fail to attend at least 2/3 of the class will receive a 0.

None. Materials will be provided.

Students are expected to have an advanced level of English ability and a high motivation to engage in classroom discussion.

Tues 1:00-2:30 during the semester